CINCINNATI-The Electrocoat Association is seeking papers for ELECTROCOAT 2010, held May 4-6, Louisville, Ky. The Conference Steering Committee is seeking papers to use in keynote addresses and general sessions on topics such as preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, cost savings, safety, and quality control. The program will emphasize the efficiencies of electrocoating, from its cost-saving advantages through precise film build and transfer efficiency to its environmentally friendly attributes for our industry. Submit a 100-200 word abstract to the Electrocoat Association by Feb. 15. Written papers are required and must be submitted by Jan. 5, 2010, for inclusion in the Conference Proceedings. For more information, go to [www.electrocoat.org], or contact Karen McGlothlin, conference manager, at 800/579-8806 or 816/496-2308; e-mail [kmcglothlin@electrocoat.org].

MINNEAPOLIS--The Minnesota Paint and Powder Coating Annual Symposium and Expo will be held March 18-19 at Century College, White Bear Lake, Minn. The symposium "Advanced Lean for the Finishing Industry" will take place on March 18. Tom Barrett of PDG Consultants, a consulting firm specializing in lean transformation using the tools of the Toyota Production System and Kaizen methodology, will present. PDG’s experience in the finishing industry allows them to present lean tactics specific to your style of finishing. The expo follows on March 19 and consists of a full day of presentations on such topics as system design, pretreatment troubleshooting, coating optimization, smart energy strategies, new issues and technologies, as well as regulatory updates. The Expo will also showcase numerous exhibitors with hands-on demonstrations. In addition, virtual reality spray finishing demonstrations will be available throughout the day for attendees to test their spray technique in a virtual paint booth. The event is hosted by the Twin Cities Chapter of the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) and the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP). Call John Speckhardt at 612/624-1300 or e-mail [expo@umn.edu]; Web site [www.mntap.umn.edu/PaintExpo/index.htm].

TEMPE, Ariz.--Economic activity in the manufacturing sector stagnated for the fourth consecutive month in November while the overall economy contracted for the 2nd consecutive month, according to the November 2008 Manufacturing ISM Report on Business by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Norbert J. Ore, ISM chair of the Manufacturing Business Survey committee, said, “When comparing November to October, the PMI indicates a continuing rapid rate of contraction in manufacturing. New orders have contracted for 12 consecutive months, and are at the lowest level since June 1980 when the index registered 24.2 percent. Order backlogs have fallen to the lowest level sins ISM began tracking the backlog of orders index in January 1993. The prices index at 25.5 percent indicates that commodity prices continue to decline at a rapid rate. This is the lowest reading for the index since May 1949 when it registered 20.1 percent.” The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) registered 36.2 percent, a 2.7 percent decrease from 39.9 percent in October. A PMI reading of more than 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is expanding; less than 50 percent indicates that it’s contracting. A PMI of more than 41.1 percent indicates expansion in the overall economy. The past relation between the PMI and overall economy indicates that the average PMI for January through November (46.8 percent) corresponds to a 1.8 percent increase in real gross domestic product. The Employment Index in November registered 34.2 percent, a 0.4 percent decrease from 34.6 percent in October. An employment index above 49.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment. The Price Index in November was 25.5 percent compared with 37 percent in October, indicating that manufacturers are paying higher prices on average when compared with October. The new orders index in November was 27.9 percent, a decrease of 4.3 percent from 32.2 percent in October--a new orders index more than 51.6 percent over time is consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau’s series on manufacturing orders.

SHARONVILLE, Ohio--Dolphin WaterCare and DuBois Chemicals have established a service partnership to offer chemical and non-chemical water treatment options, streamlined service, and greener solutions.

CHANDLER, Ariz.--Arizona Instrument has launched its redesigned Web site, [www.azic.com]. Its new format provides quick access to information on recommended instruments with a simple click of an icon. The customer service section provides information on training class schedules, on-site field services, technology updates, and frequently asked questions. The site also has downloadable manuals and product brochures. Arizona Instrument has relocated to 3375 N. Delaware St., Chandler, AZ 85225; telephone 602/470-1414.

THE WOODLANDS, Tex.--The Powder Coating Institute (PCI) will hold its hands-on powder coating workshop Dec. 2-3 at ITW Gema, Indianapolis. The workshop is an intensive introductory seminar on powder coating materials, application, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Hands-on training is included. For more information, contact 832/585-0770.