This is my last message as President of the Thermal Spray Society! Doug Puerta will take over the TSS Presidency on October 1, and you will be hearing from him each month.
It has been a privilege and honor for me to assume the leadership of our Society for the last two years. In this capacity, I had occasion to work with a team of exceptional volunteers and ASM staff fully dedicated to the success and growth of TSS.
Over the last two years, the Board and TSS Committees developed and implemented strong programs to serve the needs of our members and the thermal spray community at large. In particular, we were able to provide the international community with high-quality publications through the Journal of Thermal Spray Technology, International Thermal Spray & Surface Engineering, TSS eNews, and specialized books.
Our conferences and exhibitions continued to grow. Our flagship event, the International Thermal Spray Conference, organized in partnership with DVS in Germany, was a big success in Long Beach in 2015 and Shanghai in 2016. Our topical events held in Canada and the United States were also very successful.
New training courses were developed on safety, robotics, and other key topics. Efforts are ongoing by the Accepted Practices Committee and the Membership, Marketing & Outreach Committee to better address member needs and increase membership. We were also able to recognize our thermal spray leaders, thanks to the work of the Awards and Hall of Fame Committees. And we did all that while maintaining the financial health of our Society!
Looking to the future, an important strategic planning exercise is ongoing to develop a vision and identify key challenges and strategic actions to make sure our Society continues to fulfill its mandate to advance the theory, practice, and acceptance of thermal spray.
With Doug taking over the TSS Presidency, and with the work of all volunteers and ASM staff, I am convinced our Society will continue to grow and increase its leadership position across the international thermal spray community.
Thanks to all for your hard work, dedication, and encouragement!
Christian
