Membership Memo—Connect, Learn, Grow, Unite

From the very beginning of my career in the powder coating industry twenty-seven years ago, and well before then, the Powder Coating Institute (PCI) has served as the voice of powder coatings. PCI is dedicated to the promotion and growth of the industry and provides meaningful networking opportunities, bringing together peers with a broad range of expertise and experience to collaborate, share best practices, and learn from each other.

For me, participation in PCI has been a great way to connect, learn, grow, be inspired, and unite. For those who may be interested in becoming more active, here’s the story of my path from general membership to the Board of Directors.

My introduction to PCI began with attending events like the then-biennial Powder Coating conference and trade show, which featured seminars, technical presentations, workshops, and plant tours of facilities where powder coatings were applied. Additionally, Powder Coating: The Complete Finisher’s Handbook and copies of Powder Coated Tough magazine were never far from reach, serving as resources for all things powder coating.

As with most things in life, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Being active in an industry association means rolling up your sleeves and participating. So, I started volunteering on different committees and subcommittees, including Education, Technical, and Regulatory & Advocacy, and working groups that focused concentrated efforts on specific subjects. Committee meetings are the subject of playful joking and the building of real personal relationships. Many people have relationships with their association colleagues that last the length of their entire careers!

I contributed further by becoming a PCI authorized presenter at Powder Coating 101 and 202 Workshops and speaking at trade shows and events, including the PCI Powder Coating Technical Conference, to share insights on new technology advancements and the latest industry trends. And just recently, having demonstrated consistent active involvement in PCI and long-standing commitment to the industry, I was elected to the Board of Directors, which works closely with the association Executive Director and staff to educate, support, and drive growth of the powder coating industry.

You too, can contribute to shaping the future of the powder coating industry. Engage with other members, roll up your sleeves, get involved!

Tabitha McLeish is global marketing director-powder, general industrial coatings at Sherwin-Williams.