American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA)

Join us at the ACMA Booth Reception during CAMX 2024! 🎉🍹 Network with fellow composites professionals while enjoying refreshing drinks and delicious bites. Take the opportunity to connect with ACMA staff and learn more about the exciting initiatives we're driving to advance the composites industry.

And don’t forget—you could win one of two $50 VISA gift cards! 💳🎁

📅 Date: Wednesday, September 11
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Location: ACMA Booth (G19) at the San Diego Convention Center

We can't wait to see you there!

📢 Certified Composites Technician Instructor Course Announced for June 4-5, 2025!

Are you a Certified Composites Technician (CCT) looking to advance your career? Join us for the CCT Instructor Course at the Polynt Composites Application Center in Kansas City, MO. This 2-day course is designed for CCT-certified individuals to become qualified instructors, combining classroom techniques with hands-on exercises in a live composites manufacturing facility.

📝 Course Highlights:

- Instructional training + hands-on practical exercises
- Online exam to test knowledge and teaching techniques
- Candidates will lead a lesson as part of their assessment
- Includes a half day of virtual instruction + 2 full days onsite
- Space is limited to just 16 candidates, so don't wait!

📅 Dates: June 4-5, 2025
📍 Location: Polynt Composites Application Center, Kansas City, MO

👉 Learn more and Register Now: https://hubs.la/Q02Lv2Y80

CAMX 2024 is just a few weeks away! 🏆 Join us in the ACE Pavilion as we announce winners of this year’s awards program. The ACE program recognizes 6 entries in three categories: Design, Manufacturing, and Market Growth.

📅 Winners Announced
Date: Tuesday, September 10
Time: 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: ACE Pavilion (B11)

🎤 Winner Presentations
Date: Wednesday, September 11
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: CAMX Theater

Be there to celebrate the best of the best in composites!

Emerging Leaders Program Info Session at CAMX 2024
This will be a great opportunity to hear directly from ACMA leadership about the ELP and ask any questions you may have. Immediately following the session, we invite you to stay for a reception at our booth.

Date: Wednesday, September 11
Time: 3:30 to 4:00 PM
Location: ACMA booth G19 at CAMX

Applications Now Open for the Inaugural ACMA Emerging Leaders Program

This is your opportunity to join an exclusive group of future leaders in the composites industry, where you will receive year-long programming designed to enhance your leadership skills, expand your network, and advocate effectively for our industry.

Apply by November 1, 2024, and take the next step in advancing your career!

Learn more >> https://hubs.la/Q02LgXY_0
Apply Now >> https://hubs.la/Q02Lh20K0

We are excited to introduce the ACMA Family Business Network (FBN), a vibrant new community within the American Composites Manufacturers Association dedicated to fostering collaboration, growth, and sustainability among family-owned businesses in the composites manufacturing sector.

Join us at CAMX 2024 for the FBN Kickoff and Info Session! Network with peers and get a preview of our upcoming programs.

📅 Date: Wednesday, September 11
🕒 Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
📍 Location: The Terrace at the Omni

Limited to 60 spots—RSVP now!

👉 RSVP Here: https://hubs.la/Q02L6Pt50?
👉 Learn More: https://hubs.la/Q02L6LBN0

We are excited to facilitate an onsite Certified Composites Technician (CCT) instructor course with Everglades Boats! 🚤 Our CCT trainer, Jeff Austad, is in Florida certifying four new instructors. The event wraps up today, and we couldn't be prouder of this talented group.

Submit Your Abstract by October 18! Join us at the 2025 North American Pultrusion Conference and share your expertise! We're looking for sessions that cover all aspects of the pultrusion supply chain—from raw materials to manufacturing and end-use applications. Our program includes a balanced mix of business and technology sessions.

📚 Key Details:

- All submissions are reviewed by industry experts.
- Preference for ACMA Members providing case studies.
- Non-commercial, education-focused sessions only.

👉 Full Details & Submission Form: https://hubs.la/Q02JMnqc0

Questions?
✉️ For Abstract Submissions: Contact Martha Lowe at [email protected]
✉️ For Exhibiting & Sponsorship Opportunities: Contact John Catapano at [email protected]

📢 Must-Attend Webinar ⚖️ Navigating the New Legal Landscape: The Supreme Court's Overturn of Chevron Deference and Its Impact on U.S. Manufacturers

🗓️ Date: Thursday, August 8
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM ET
🔒 ACMA Members Only

Join us for an insightful and timely webinar as we delve into the Supreme Court's landmark decision to overturn the Chevron deference doctrine and explore its potential implications for U.S. manufacturers. The Chevron deference has long granted federal agencies significant authority in interpreting ambiguous statutes, directly impacting regulatory frameworks and compliance burdens for manufacturers across the nation.

Experts from the law firm of Sidley Austin LLP will help break down the decision, analyze the impact, and provide strategic insights.

Speakers:
🔹 Daniel Feith, Partner, Sidley Austin LLP
🔹 Jeremy Rozansky, Managing Associate, Sidley Austin LLP

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW >> https://hubs.la/Q02HS4KF0

The ACMA team had a fantastic all-staff meeting this week in Alexandria,VA, filled with learning and teamwork!

🫀 We appreciate the Alexandria Heart Center for coming out to provide CPR training for the team.

👏 A huge thank you to Dennis Lenard for conducting an impactful active shooter training session.

✨ Special thanks to BestBath for the amazing goodie bags! Your thoughtful gifts added a special touch to our event.

We are excited to announce the launch of ACMA's Emerging Leaders Program, crafted to develop the future leaders of the composites industry. Our inaugural program will offer a select group of individuals a comprehensive year-long experience designed to enhance leadership skills, expand professional networks, and effectively advocate for the composites industry. This program will be an annual initiative, continually nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.

Learn More >> https://hubs.la/Q02GPlnM0

Sponsorships opportunities are also available! Contact John Catapano at [email protected] or 703.795.7271.

Are you looking to implement a new training program? Are you eager to enhance your worker’s skills and expertise? Join us for an exclusive informational webinar hosted by the American Composites Manufacturing Association (ACMA) to discover the exciting opportunities awaiting you through our Certified Composites Technician (CCT) certification program.

Data from our recent workforce development survey highlights that 89 percent of companies that prioritize foundational composites knowledge maintain longer tenured employees.

Attend this webinar to receive an overview of the CCT certification program and learn about its significance in the composites manufacturing industry.

REGISTER NOW >> https://hubs.la/Q02GP1gB0

Happy Independence Day from all of us at the American Composites Manufacturers Association! The ACMA office is closed today. We will reopen tomorrow, Friday, July 5.

We are excited to announce the Call for Abstracts for the 2025 Pultrusion Conference, scheduled to take place May 6-8, 2025, in Chicago. This is your opportunity to share your expertise, innovations, and insights with senior industry leaders, decision-makers, production managers, engineers, and end-users. The deadline for submissions is October 18, 2024.

Why Submit an Abstract?
Our educational program is designed to deliver the most compelling information through a balanced mix of business- and technology-focused sessions. We invite presentations covering all parts of the pultrusion supply chain, from raw materials to manufacturing and end-use applications. This is a fantastic platform to highlight your work, share case studies, and contribute to the advancement of the industry.

View the full list of presentation requirements, pultrusion-related topics, and target market segments at the link below.

Full Details and Submission Form >> https://hubs.la/Q02DDtr80

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Let's honor the resilience, culture, and contributions of the African-American community while continuing the journey towards justice and unity for all.

The ACMA office is closed today in recognition of the holiday. We will reopen tomorrow, Thursday, June 20.

Have you submitted a nomination for the Pioneer Award yet? The new deadline is Monday, June 24. The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have developed, enhanced, or created processes and/or materials that have significantly advanced the composites industry. 👏 The 2023 Pioneer Award winner was John Tyson II, PE, Founder and CEO, Trilion Quality Systems.

New this year: Nominators of winning submissions will be recognized at the Awards Ceremony.

Submit Nomination >> https://form.jotform.com/200563917817157

New Webinar Announced! From Analysis to Action: The LCA and EPD Case Study with Kreysler & Associates and Sustainable Solutions Corporation

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2024
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM ET

Join us for an engaging webinar exploring the LCA and EPD preparation process with Sustainable Solutions Corporation (SSC) and Kreysler & Associates (K&A). Learn about LCA methodology, data accuracy, challenges, and practical applications. Gain insights from K&A's experience and future plans using LCA results.

Featured Speakers:
Nicole Meyer, LCACP, SSC, Senior Account Manager
Christine Phanbandith, SSC, Project Manager
Matt Hettinger, K&A, Polymer Chemist / Engineering Manager

Register Now >> https://hubs.la/Q02BB9r-0

Do you know a remarkable leader in the composites industry who has made a significant and lasting impact? Now is the time to honor their contributions! The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a business owner who has been a beacon in the composites industry for at least 20 years. The recipient will join an esteemed list of past honorees, including our 2023 winner, Mike Gordon, Partner at Gordon Plastics.

Deadline for nominations is June 24. Submit your nomination now. >> https://hubs.la/Q02ByqBt0

Deadline Extended! The nomination deadline for the 2024 ACMA Awards has been extended to Monday, June 24!

This extension provides you with additional time to put forth deserving candidates. We particularly want to emphasize the significance of two prestigious awards: the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Pioneer Award. These awards honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our field and have set a high standard of excellence.

New this year: Nominators of winning submissions will be recognized at the Awards Ceremony!

Submit your nominations now and help us celebrate excellence in our field. Your participation is invaluable!

Lifetime Achievement Award >> https://hubs.la/Q02BlZsJ0
Hall of Fame Award >> https://hubs.la/Q02Bm0_20
Pioneer Award >> https://hubs.la/Q02Bm2_d0
Academic Pioneer Award >> https://hubs.la/Q02Bm3g00
Outstanding Volunteer Award >> https://hubs.la/Q02BlYJP0

We're thrilled to be at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Flatirons Campus, diving deep into the heart of innovation and sustainability in renewable energy. We will be exploring cutting-edge research and developments that are shaping the future of composite materials and manufacturing scale-up.

Yesterday, Dr. Hota GangaRao, Wadsworth Professor and Director of the Constructed Facilities Center at West Virginia University, presented a session titled "Assessing Climate Impacts in Steel and Functionally Equivalent Composite Materials."

A key takeaway was that sustainability impacts should be compared based on functionally equivalent products, not on a mass v. mass basis.

Through a partnership with ACMA, Dr. GangaRao and his team have been meticulously comparing the full lifecycle climate impacts of common steel infrastructure components to their functionally equivalent composite counterparts. The session offered valuable insights that composite manufacturers can leverage to better educate end-users about the environmental benefits of their products.

Cindy L. Squires, Esq., President & CEO of ACMA, presents ACMA's Vision for Sustainability in the Composites Industry at , outlining forward-thinking approaches and a clear path to a sustainable future.

We just wrapped up a great session at with Paul Salach from Owens Corning.

As we know, Sustainability is becoming ever-present across all industries. This new trend challenges us to rethink how products are made and redesign components to meet new market needs without sacrificing performance.

Owens Corning is embracing this challenge and have developed new 100% recycled content products that meet end market sustainability targets and position the Composites industry for long-term success.

Salach shared valuable information on end market sustainability goals in key segments such as automotive and infrastructure. He also highlighted specific actions Owens Corning is taking to help composites manufacturers meet these market needs.

Attendees are engaged in a compelling morning session at titled "From Assessment to Action: Transformative Approaches in Integrating LCAs and EPDs."

Our expert presenters:

Nicole Meyer, LCACP, Senior Account Manager at Sustainable Solutions Corporation
Marquis Miller, Operations Manager at Sustainable Solutions Corporation

Nicole and Marquis are delivering deep insights into the complexities of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). They are sharing strategies on interpreting LCA results, the benefits of using bio-based or recycled materials, and the business value of EPDs in meeting green building standards, regulations, and customer demands. The session is also covering effective marketing strategies for EPDs to optimize ROI and communication techniques for reaching customers.

Sponsored Post: Molding sustainable value with future-forward solutions to decarbonize Mobility and the Built Environment. Let’s build a value chain aligned for continual improvement of materials and processes for a decarbonized and circular future, while improving performance, speed, and scale!
McClarin Composites

ACMA's first-ever Composites Sustainability Today conference, , has officially kicked off in Denver! Yesterday, we had the privilege of touring Vartega's composites recycling facility! Vartega is a leader in carbon fiber recycling, striving to provide sustainable solutions in an industry where only 2% of carbon fiber is currently recycled.

During our visit, we explored various stations and gained insights into the innovative steps and processes Vartega employs to recycle carbon fiber. We were impressed by their commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability, which are the core principles guiding their operations.

The Composites Sustainability Today conference is just 6 days away! Ensure your business is prepared for the future of sustainability in the composites industry.

Secure your spot now: https://hubs.la/Q02yRbVf0