- 14 March 2008 -
‘California Showcase Week’ is a Hit!

The Metal Finishers Association of Southern California (MFASC) Supplier Showcase and Surface Technology Association (STA) Vendor Showcase drew hundreds of visitors during “California Showcase Week,” which took place Tuesday, Feb. 19., and Thursday, Feb. 21, in Montebello and San Jose, respectively.

According to Dan Cunningham, executive director of the MFASC, the annual event offers attendees a variety of elements: education, networking opportunities, and, of course, buying and selling. “Everything I’ve heard from members and attendees tells me it was a worthwhile event,” Cunningham said, estimating combined attendance at about 450 people. He also called the event one of the most popular and well-attended metal finishing events on the West Coast.

Among some of the topics of discussion during the meetings: ongoing environmental regulations facing metal finishers and what both regional and national industry associations are doing to address the issue; the impact of outsourcing on the North American manufacturing community; and cost-saving technologies.

“It’s the biggest gathering of job shops, captive shops, and suppliers in the region,” said Bert Sherwood, industry consultant and columnist for Metal Finishing magazine. He said the tabletop exhibit areas were packed for the entire day.

(Look for more on this story in an upcoming issue of Metal Finishing.)