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in Vol. 10 - March Issue - Year 2009
Stage Is Set For SUR/FIN 2009

Louisville, Ky., the ‘Possibility City,’ to host surface finishing industry’s premier event

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 09— The “Bluegrass State” will roll out the “red” carpet for metal finishers, suppliers, end users, and OEMs on June 16–17, 2009. That’s when the participants of SUR/FIN 2009—the North American surface finishing industry’s premier trade show and technical conference—are expected to descend on the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville to network, preview new products, and share best business and operational practices. 

“Louisville is looking forward to hosting SUR/FIN 2009,” said Louisville Mayor Jerry E. Abramson. “Were a city on the move—our downtown is abuzz with activity, and we are a hub of manufacturing jobs. There’s a reason we call ourselves ‘Possibility City,’ because in Louisville, anything is possible.”

The National Association for Surface Finishing—the show’s organizer and chief sponsor—hopes industry members will “explore the possibilities” when next summer rolls around. And with all that Louisville has to offer, the case to come to Kentucky is very compelling. “The venue just fits SUR/FIN,” said Eric Olander, vice chairman of the SUR/FIN 2009 Steering Committee. “Louisville is a good convention town, has great accommodations and area attractions, and it’s easy to move around in. Plus, it’s a quick trip from the airport.”

More importantly, the state of Kentucky in general is very “industry-friendly,” which is critical for manufacturing sectors such as metal finishing. In fact, Louisville was recently anointed as the “Southeast’s leader in manufacturing” by Manufacturers’ News magazine. Louisville’s auto manufacturing sector is particularly appealing to finishers. “It’s the gateway to the automotive south,” said Olander, citing Ford, Toyota, and Corvette plants operating in the state. Louisville is also strategically located near some of the world’s largest OEMs and applicators, he added. 

The allure of Louisville goes well beyond its industrial attributes. Dubbed America’s “Most Livable Large City” by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Louisville offers world-class performing arts venues, sports and entertainment complexes, fine dining establishments, and a bustling downtown area. Among the main attractions: the famed 4th Street Live District, Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby Museum, Waterfront Park, Muhammad Ali Center, Speed Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum, Kentucky Opera, Louisville Zoo, Louisville Science Center, and Six Flags/Kentucky Kingdom, among others. 

SUR/FIN 2009 is sponsored by the National Association for Surface Finishing (www.nasf.org). At SUR/FIN 2009, you’ll find a technical program that includes sessions focused on OEM and captive platers, as well as the expansion of exhibitors and attendees to reflect the entire supply chain. Potential attendees are also invited to submit technical papers for presentation at the conference. 

For Information:
Cheryl Clark +1.202.457.8403 
E-mail: cclark@nasf.org, 
www.sur-fin.net