This week, several event organizers either canceled or rescheduled conferences due to the coronavirus, a number of companies provided customers with updates on operational responses to the outbreak, and chemical distributors weighed in on the importance their industry plays during this time. 

The National Association of Chemical Distributors President and CEO Eric R. Byer issued a statement regarding a letter the association sent to President Trump and all 50 U.S. governors urging them to keep chemical distribution operations open because of the industry’s crucial role in ensuring the wellbeing of both citizens and businesses across the country.

Sun Chemical announced that the company continues to monitor the changing economic landscape and the impact to its global supply chain caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The company’s Chief Supply Chain Officer Jeffrey Shaw explained that Sun Chemical’s warehouse and manufacturing sites are still operating, raw materials are still available, and materials are being shipped. Click here to learn more.

Ideal-Pak and the PASE Group issued an operations update, stating that manufacturing facilities are operating at normal levels and that there had been no reported cases of coronavirus within the organization. Precautions and escalation plans were also outlined.

Coatings manufacturer Tnemec released a statement from its President on the company’s response and preparedness for the coronavirus outbreak. The statement listed several steps the company has implemented to provide business continuity for its customers. 

TZMI has canceled the second annual TiO₂ Summit. It was to take place May 12-13 at the Park Central Hotel, New York. TZMI is sponsoring another event covering the titanium and zirconium industries in Singapore in November.

The Detroit Society for Coatings Technology rescheduled the 45^th Annual FOCUS Conference for September. It will still take place at the same venue, The Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan.

Organizers of the 2020 Surface Finishing Mexico Conference and Expo announced that the event has been canceled. The conference and expo were set to take place March 24-26, 2020, in Guadalajara. The 2021 Surface Finishing Mexico event will return to the Queretaro Expo center on March 9-10, 2021.

Finally, Larson Electronics has provided a list of its products that are effective at eliminating the coronavirus. Additional information about these lights can be found here.