Advanced Materials, Composites Associations Team Up for 2014 Event
November 11, 2012
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) boards of directors recently signed a letter of intent to launch a new combined event in the Fall of 2014.
The collocated event will serve the entire advanced materials and composites industry in North America.
“We are very excited about the scope of the show and the value it will bring to our memberships and the composites and advanced materials industry,” said Kate Thorpe, SAMPE president.
She added, “SAMPE and ACMA are recognized as the leaders of the industry, serving the industry and helping it grow. Bringing our two strong shows together will provide even greater value for our members and the industry.”
SAMPE, a global professional member society, provides information on new materials and processing technology either via technical meetings, journal publications or books.
As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a forum for scientists, engineers and academicians.
Building on the success of the individual SAMPE and ACMA events, this will be the “go to event” for the composites and advanced materials industry in the Americas, according SAMPE executives.
“We are thrilled to be working with SAMPE on such an important project. The mission of our organizations is to serve the industry,” said Lori Luchak, president of ACMA.
She added, “This show will certainly fulfill that mission and enable us to expand the rest of our programs to give the industry the tools it needs to continue to innovate and move forward.”
Representing more than 3,000 companies, ACMA is the world's largest trade group representing the composites industry.
In the U.S. alone, the composites industry employs about 550,000 people and generates almost $70 billion in revenues per year, according to ACMA officials.
The leadership of both organizations has been in lengthy discussions during the past six months and will continue to meet as plans are refined.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment