The annual Washington Forum aims to arm industry members with the knowledge they need to navigate through various complex legal and environmental issues, while simultaneously furthering the interests of the surface finishing community in Washington.

Following is an overview of the conference agenda:

TUESDAY, APRIL 27

10:00 a.m. Registration

1:00 p.m. Introductions & The NASF Agenda. Moderators: Joelie Zak (Scientific Control Labs), Washington Forum Co-Chair, Rick Delawder (SWD, Inc.), Washington Forum Co-Chair

1:15 p.m. The NASF Agenda: Industry Update and Outlook. Moderators: Christian Richter, NASF, Jeff Hannapel, NASF

1:45 p.m. Climate Change & Energy Policy: Carbon Control & Manufacturing Impacts. Speaker: Paul Cicio, President, Industrial Energy Consumers of America

2:45 p.m. OSHA Enforcement and the New National Emphasis Program for Cr6 PEL Compliance: What’s Ahead for Surface Finishing? Speaker: Nancy Hauter, Director, Office of Health Enforcement, OSHA U.S. Dept of Labor

3:15 p.m. (Break)

3:30 p.m. Chemicals Reform in Congress: Revisiting the “Kids Safe Chemical Act” in 2010. Speakers: Martha Marapese, Partner, Keller & Heckman; Jamie Conrad, Conrad Counsel

4:00 p.m. Metals Supply & Production Trends: Issues & Challenges for the U.S. Speaker:
Dave Cammarota, U.S. Department of Commerce (invited)

4:30 p.m. How to Be Effective in Washington: A Finishing Customer’s Perspective. Speaker: David Modi, Ingersoll Rand Corporation

5:00 p.m. (Adjourn)

5:30 p.m. NASF Reception

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28

8:30 a.m. Global Regulatory Change: The REACH of European Nickel Decisions for Industry. Speaker: Dr. Hudson Bates, Nickel Institute / Nickel Producers Enviro Research Association

9:30 a.m. U.S. Regulation: Proposed USEPA Emission Standards for Surface Finishing. Speaker: Phil Mulrine, USEPA Office of Air & Radiation

10:00 a.m. Canadian Metals Regulation: How Low Can it Go in Ontario?
Speaker: Mike Dutton, ValeInco CA / Robin Leach, Kuntz Electroplating, Kitchener, Ontario

10:30 a.m. (Break)

10:45 a.m. The State of the U.S. Manufacturing Base and the Policy Outlook
Speaker: Richard McCormack, Editor, Manufacturing & Technology News

11:30 a.m. The Pentagon’s Corrosion Strategy: Implementing the Chromium Memorandum. Speakers: Dan Dunmire, U.S. Department of Defense;
Dr. Keith Legg, Rowan Technology

Noon (Lunch)

12:30 p.m. Political Keynote: The 2010 Elections and the 2010 Presidential Candidates. Speaker: William Kristol, Editor, The Weekly Standard & Panelist, FOX News Sunday

1:45 p.m. The Labor Agenda and OSHA: Enforcement, Ergonomics & “Card Check”
Marc Freedman, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

2:15 p.m. Industry Sustainability: Environmental Protection and Collaborative Industry Efforts on Fume Suppressants. Speakers: Toni Krasnic, USEPA Office of Prevention, Pesticides & Toxic Substances; Chris Hornback, National Association of Clean Water Agencies; and Peter Paine, Environment Canada. Panel discussion w/NASF chemical supplier companies to follow.

3:30 p.m. (Break)

3:45 p.m. Health Care: The Impact on Manufacturing and Small Business
Susan Eckerly, National Federation of Independent Business

4:15 p.m. Industry Collaboration and the Future: Finishing, Fasteners & the Metals Industries (Industry panel discussion)

4:45 p.m. Delivering the Message on Capitol Hill. Speakers: Christian Richter, NASF; Jeff Hannapel, NASF

5:15 p.m. (Adjourn)

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Reception
Congressional Keynote: Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) (invited)

THURSDAY, APRIL 29

7:30 a.m. Breakfast Briefing: Congressional Meetings Preparation

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Capitol Hill Meetings

For more information, please contact the National Association for Surface Finishing