The Best Defense Is a Good Offense
As ACMA’s current president, Monty Felix has a unique vantage point on our industry. But he also shares much of his positive outlook with others, like composite consultant Ray MacNeil and keynote speaker Former Governor Mitt Romney. “We’ve all experienced massive lay-offs; I currently only have 12 employees,” he tells attendees. “I’ve seen numerous people go out of business or file bankruptcy. But the fact that you are here today demonstrates your ability to persevere.”
Felix urged attendees to take advantage of the good year ahead and years of success moving forward. One way to take advantage of their current positions is through education. He urged attendees to participate in as many COMPOSITES 2010 education session as they could. “Those that progress in business will be those that seek out new target markets, are innovative and get involved. And that comes by taking advantage of as many learning opportunities as you can,” he says.
Yet Felix’s opening remarks were more than a package of good cheer; they were a call to action. He urged companies and individuals to get involved in an area that matters to them. “Find an area of the industry you are passionate about and be an active participant,” he challenged. “If you want to increase the value of your product, get involved in a committee that will allow that to happen.” He promised that as attendees involved themselves in the industry, outside day-to-day business dealings, they would be better business leaders and have the ability to motivate the industry for growth–something that would benefit all. “It is also important to let your Congressman know who you are and what your company is all about,” he explains. “For years we’ve been forced to play industry defense in politics, but finally with the Composites Caucus we have a way to play offense.”
COMPOSITES 2010: Discover the Future of Composites Today. February 9-11. Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.www.acmashow.org
