On behalf of the PCI staff I want to take this opportunity to wish our readers, advertisers and contributing authors a very happy holiday season. We are successful because of your continued support, encouragement and feedback – we always welcome your viewpoint.

On behalf of the PCI staff I want to take this opportunity to wish our readers, advertisers and contributing authors a very happy holiday season. We are successful because of your continued support, encouragement and feedback – we always welcome your viewpoint.

As editor, I want to thank all those who contribute the wonderful feature articles that PCI continues to provide our readership. You are a pleasure to work with and make this publication the number-one source for practical and state-of-the-art technical information in the coatings community. In addition, I appreciate those who take the time to write and offer comments and suggestions. Please keep the reader comments coming, as we welcome your input, suggestions and ideas – this is a great forum for us to exchange views and ideas concerning our industry.

We are of course in turbulent economic times. Most everyone in the industry will be glad that 2009 is over and will look forward optimistically to a better 2010. It was a mixed third quarter for some of the suppliers and, of course, the same was true for coatings manufacturers. Certain sectors – manufacturing and home sales – are up globally, but those markets that reflect new construction are still struggling. Asia and Europe recoveries are improving at a faster rate than the NAFTA region. No doubt there will be more ups and downs until the global economy stabilizes.

Because of economic uncertainties, innovative developments and technology remain critical and key for future growth and sustainability. This is not the time to pull back on R&D and investing in the future. History has shown that those companies who are willing to think toward the future and take the risks are those that survive and become the leaders.

Despite the gloom, we have had some exciting events in the past year that did draw the industry together. Certainly large events such as the European Coatings Show, ABRAFATI, RadTech Europe, as well regional events in Asia, India, Europe and here at home were quite successful. The recent Western Coatings Symposium was very well attended and the atmosphere enthusiastic. It is with this same optimism that we look forward to the Waterborne Symposium in February and of course the American Coatings Show in April. A number of good meetings are planned for 2010, and some new technology is due to be released as well. We will, as always, be reporting to you as soon as information becomes available.

We cannot predict 2010 – but we can be positive in our outlook. The economic turmoil of the past year definitely highlights the global nature of our economy and our business. Overall, the industry outlook is cautious but positive for 2010. Several of our suppliers are starting and/or continuing new developments and expansions.

My parting thought for 2009 is this – spend extra time with family and friends during the holiday season. Sometimes we all get so busy with ‘things’ that we forget what is most important in all our lives. People – our families and friends – are not replaceable and should be treasured. I know I speak for all the PCI staff in wishing everyone peace, joy, prosperity and good health during this holiday season and for the coming year.