The Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) is a North American trade association dedicated to representing the adhesive and sealant industry. Incorporated in 1958, ASC is bound by the collective efforts of its members, and strives to improve the industry operating environment and strengthen its member companies. ASC members represent more than 75% of the U.S. industry. The Council is comprised of 120 adhesive and sealant manufacturers, raw material and equipment suppliers, distributors and industry consultants.

At the corporate level, ASC serves as the industry's advocate before state and federal regulatory agencies, publishes various benchmarking surveys to assist manufacturer companies in comparing their performance against their peers, and strives to provide important and timely market information to its members while promoting the use of the industry's products to the markets we serve.

At the individual level, ASC encourages participation by all personnel at all levels and functional areas. Benefits are extended to all employees working for a member organization. ASC gives the industry professional powerful tools to help build his/her career and stay well informed of the latest developments. ASC offers first-rate technical education, updates on the latest innovative developments and information, cost-saving opportunities and proven solutions. It is ASC's goal to provide a forum through which one can enhance his/her knowledge, education, networking and professional development.

Benefits of Membership

Recognition | ASC is a leader in the global adhesive and sealant industry association community. Your organization's affiliation identifies you as an industry leader.

Professional Development | ASC brings you education and training tailored to your needs and offers an array of technical, business and regulatory information to help you succeed.

Personal Leadership | Opportunities exist to enhance your career by speaking at ASC events, chairing a committee and potentially serving on the Board of Directors.

Building Community | ASC is your link to an influential community of professionals. Share your experiences, network with industry leaders and find solutions to your everyday challenges.

Public Advocacy | ASC serves as the adhesive and sealant industry's spokesperson and dedicated advocate before government and regulatory bodies.

Special Interest Groups | Peer groups, committees and task forces provide the opportunity to meet with your peers to discuss issues of common concern and to exchange information.

Customized Benchmarking Services | Participation in the Industry Sales, Financial Operating Cost and Compensation & Benefits surveys is an exclusive benefit for manufacturer members. Participants gain access to primary research on industry sales data, operating costs, and HR practices available only through the ASC.

Tools & Resources | Access a rich array of resources at www.ascouncil.org, including news, online training, market reports, career center, free industry-related studies, and more.

Catalyst for Industry Growth | ASC members influence public opinion by participating in end-user seminars and developing training tools tailored to the design/engineering community.

Improving Your Bottom Line | Enjoy discounts on events, training and publications. Receive business leads and take advantage of affinity programs exclusively through the ASC.

History

The late John Winkler was one of the original founders of the organization that is today known as The Adhesive and Sealant Council, and served as Board President (1966-67). Ten people met in Chicago to discuss the concept of forming a trade group. Back in the 1950s the adhesive and sealant industry was still in its infancy, with few companies engaged in the business. An organizing committee formed to establish the Rubber and Plastic Adhesive and Sealant Manufacturers Council on February 28, 1958. Henry L. Dixon of B.F. Goodrich Co. was elected the first president.

The 1960s was a time of tremendous industry growth with membership growing to over 80 companies by 1969. These included manufacturers of all types of adhesives and sealants as well as suppliers of chemical raw materials, equipment and other services. The Council was the place to meet with members of the industry to discuss common issues, the "everyday problems of doing business - how you pack, how you ship, how you work with your sales organization." To reflect the new composition of member companies, the organization changed its name to The Adhesive and Sealant Council, Inc. in 1965.

From its early beginning, the ASC demonstrated its importance as a unifying voice for the industry. Looking back, Harold Zarky, president 1977-1979, is proud of the role the ASC played in working with federal agencies and member companies to create legislation that has benefited the industry and society. ASC has assumed an important role of bringing together the industry on regulatory and legislative issues.

The Council is renowned for the breadth and quality of its educational programming, especially technical training found in its short courses and, more recently, webinars. Its spring and fall conventions are highly regarded for the networking opportunities they offer personnel at all levels. For 50 years now, ASC has provided educational opportunities in technical and business areas to improve the skills and knowledge of member company personnel. In the early 1980s, the ASC began to broaden its focus and welcomed the international community at its first global conference. This emphasis continues today, as illustrated by our role as host association of the 2008 World Adhesive Conference (Miami, FL), which set an industry record in terms of total attendence (some 970 delegates!). Too, international relations with our "sister" organizations abroad, such as EU-based FEICA and the Asian Regional Adhesive Council (representing China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan), grow stronger and more critical to our success in securing the information our members demand from afar.