LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL., November 6, 2019 – Registration is open for the second annual Women in Finishing FORUM to be held at the Embassy Suites South Bend, IN at Notre Dame from May 6-8, 2020. The FORUM features a variety of professional and personal development sessions, team building exercises and networking events geared towards women in industrial finishing.
Powered by the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI), Women in Finishing debuted at FABTECH 2017 in Chicago. An overwhelming response led to an expanded program, including the Women in Finishing FORUM.
Highlights of the 2020 FORUM include a tour of Lippert Components Inc.’s finishing operations, a leadership panel discussion, round table discussions, and a team building exercise on the Notre Dame campus. Presentations will address market trends for industrial finishing, creating a culture of accountability, managing conflict, and more. Featured FORUM speakers include:
- Shelley Bausch, President, Carlisle Fluid Technologies
- Susan Hines, Principal, Sabal Trust
- Lee Ann Schwope Cochran, Partner, Amphora Consulting
- Dr. Amber Selking, Director of People Performance, Lippert Components, Inc.
- Michelle Striggow, Sr. Account Manager, Finishing Industrial Products Division, Graco Inc.
For a complete list of speakers and schedule of events, visit www.womeninfinishing.org.
The 2019 Women in Finishing FORUM received extremely positive evaluations, generating excitement for the 2020 FORUM. Laura Beach of Lippert Components summed up her experience, noting, “Gaining a community of women with a variety of backgrounds but with the common connection of a career in finishing/manufacturing was invaluable, and the sessions were engaging and informative. I truly appreciated the time spent at the FORUM and I look forward to attending again in the future!” Comments from other FORUM participants echoed Laura’s sentiments and included statements like, “Excellent meeting, especially for a first event. The topics were informative, and I enjoyed how they were tied to working in manufacturing/finishing as women.” And, “I really enjoyed this event! It was awesome to have such a strong group of women to learn and grow from; it was a very inspiring group.”
Sheila LaMothe, CCAI’s vice president of strategic initiatives and Women in Finishing program manager notes, “After a highly successful inaugural event, we are thrilled to return to South Bend in 2020. The Embassy Suites and the University of Notre Dame proved to be an ideal location for the FORUM.” She adds, “Building on the success of this year’s event, the 2020 program features outstanding speakers from both inside and outside of the finishing industry who will address a diverse slate of topics, many of which were suggested by 2019 FORUM attendees. We are excited about the program and expect significant growth for FORUM 2020.”
Women who have chosen or are pursuing a career in industrial finishing, from the finishing line to executive management, are invited and encouraged to attend the Women in Finishing FORUM. For more information and to register visit www.womeninfinishing.org.
About Women in Finishing Powered by the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI), Women in Finishing (WiF) provides a platform that fosters professional and personal development for women who have chosen or are pursuing a career in the industrial finishing industry. WiF is inclusive of all levels and responsibilities within the finishing industry, from the finishing line to executive management. For more information, visit www.womeninfinishing.org.
About the Chemical Coaters Association International The Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) is a technical and professional organization that provides information and training on surface coating technologies. CCAI works to raise the standards of finishing operations through educational meetings and seminars, training manuals, educational videos, and outreach programs with schools, colleges and universities. For more information, visit www.ccaiweb.com.