Longtime FABTECH finishing partner, the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI), in an ongoing effort to better define the association and who we serve, is rebranding and becoming the Industrial Finishing and Coating Association (IFCA). “Our new name much better defines that the association provides education, training and networking to the industrial finishing industry,” notes CCAI Executive Director, Anne Goyer. “When seeing ‘Chemical Coaters,’ many thought we were a chemical society, making it challenging for people unfamiliar with CCAI to understand who we really are.”
The National board of Directors agreed that IFCA better defines who we are, providing services and education on our local and national levels.” IFCA positions the association for future growth, ensuring it remains relevant, responsive, and effective in supporting finishing industry professionals for years to come.
The transition to IFCA represents more than a name change. It is a strategic step that aligns the association's identity with the diverse technologies, processes, and professionals that make up today's industrial finishing and coating marketplace. IFCA National President Michelle Striggow comments, “Industrial Finishing & Coating Association is such a fitting name that perfectly captures who we are and what we represent. As an equipment supplier, I always felt the need to have an elevator pitch ready to explain my involvement with CCAI. Now, with ‘finishing’ as part of the name, it explains itself and instantly communicates our purpose. With our fantastic board, this change is a testament to our collaborative spirit.”
As part of the changeover, attendees at FABTECH will be among the first to experience the new IFCA brand. You'll begin seeing the new name, logo, and visual identity throughout the event, marking an exciting milestone in the association's evolution. If you're attending FABTECH, be sure to stop by and visit IFCA and see how the association is continuing to grow while maintaining its longstanding commitment to education, training, and networking for the industrial finishing community.
CCAI has been serving the industrial finishing and coating industry since its formation in 1970 by a group of finishers in the Midwest. It quickly grew and there are now chapters across the USA and beyond. Education and networking have always been at the core of everything CCAI has done for the past 56 years. As the name change takes place, new initiatives are being launched that will serve the finishing industry’s current needs including attracting & training the next generation of finishers along with leadership training.
IFCA continues to serve all types of industrial finishing processes, including liquid coating, electrocoating, powder coating and much more. The rebranding process will take place over the next several months.
“This is an exciting time for industrial finishing,” Goyer stated. “We welcome everyone involved with finishing and coating processes to become a part of IFCA.”