Impending growth and multiple key market developments were among high notes providing positive benchmarks for the Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) at the trade association?s semi-annual meeting held Oct. 24-27. Members received upbeat news including plans to add staff and extend programs in 2011. During sessions, reporting of highest ever web traffic, expanded media presence and newer industry applications highlighted a clear forward direction for the association. Attention also focused on ongoing research projects and key findings which were recently announced.
“Our members are feeling a new sense of optimism about business advancing that had been muted by the stagnation of the economy,” stated Tony Radoszewski, executive director of the PPI. “They are voicing their opinions and seeing strong indicators that slow progression is being made; and their approval of PPI initiatives is helping to boost awareness about the sustainability and economical advantages of the use of plastic pipe in all its various applications.”
Donna Stoughton of Charter Plastics Inc. who serves as the chairman of the board of directors for the PPI added, “The PPI committees, technical task forces and each of our individual members work to educate the industry and serve our cities and towns by informing them about smart, cost-effective and environmentally-conscious solutions for rehabilitating our nation?s deteriorating underground infrastructure.
???
“We?ve heard time and time again,” she continued, “that more and more projects are embracing plastic pipe as the material of choice. Our PPI meetings provide a great opportunity for our members to network with each other, share success stories and look to the future for better times ahead. Especially during the recent times of trial, businesses have had it very rough. But, collectively, there is definitely great confidence that our products supply greener, smarter and better infrastructure options ? and there is no doubt that an infrastructure crisis is underway.”
???
Radoszewski said that while the general economic climate is still sluggish and must be carefully watched, the perspective for growth in various markets is predictable and sensible. “There was significant discussion over the four days of our meetings about how to prepare for anticipated growth. Our divisions are increasing investments in staff support, aligning resources to manage new opportunities, and continuing educational endeavors to inform individuals about plastic pipe and its real long-term benefits of use.”
???
?PPI’s 2011 devotion to these goals will prove to be a tremendous resource for the pipe industry,? Stoughton said. ?We’re continuing to drive the development of PPI?s technical resources; expand PPI?s outreach and promotion of plastic pipe; and facilitate our association?s growth through programs that serve the needs of many, not just of our member companies, but for all end users.??? ? ???
