Blogs

AMPP Gulf Coast Area to Host Inaugural Conference in Houston

Houston, Texas — The AMPP Gulf Coast Conference is set to debut in Houston, Texas, from Monday, August 5 to Wednesday, August 7, 2024. This inaugural event marks a significant milestone for the AMPP Gulf Coast Area, bringing together Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) members, industry leaders, experts, and professionals in corrosion prevention and materials performance. Planned and hosted by the AMPP Houston Chapter, Houston serves as the ideal backdrop for the conference as the home of the AMPP headquarters. "We are thrilled to announce the first AMPP Gulf Coast Conference, which represents a pivotal moment for our member community," ...

AMPP Launches Inaugural Giving Tuesday Campaign to Support EMERG Student Outreach Initiatives

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The AMPP EMERG Student Outreach Program, a leading program for students in primary and secondary schools, students in high schools, community colleges, and universities, as well as veterans and adults transitioning into industries served by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), announces its inaugural Giving Tuesday Campaign on November 28th. This campaign is designed to raise funds to empower and support various programs, including scholarships, workforce development programs, and educational resources. How it Works: Choose Your Impact One distinctive feature of EMERG's Giving Tuesday ...

Introducing the All-New AMPP Homepage: A Member-Centric Experience

Reenvisioned, Redesigned, and Redefined just for you. We are thrilled to present the revamped AMPP homepage, reflecting our renewed commitment to serving our members and the wider community. This transformation has been driven by our vision to create a homepage that fosters community, connectivity and prioritizes the needs and feedback of you, our members and customers. Alan Thomas, our CEO, encapsulates the essence of this update with his thoughts, “The redesigned AMPP homepage is a testament to our dedication to keeping pace with industry demands and prioritizing the voices of our members. We've listened attentively to our member’s feedback, and this fresh ...

AMPP Revolutionizes Training with Launch of Industrial Coating Application Training Program

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the leading authority in materials protection and performance, has unveiled its innovative Industrial Coating Application (ICA) Training Program. This program is a flexible and comprehensive solution for training industrial sprayers and abrasive blasters, designed to attract and train those new to the workforce or provide needed training to experienced individuals seeking to gain industry-recognized credentials. The ICA Training Program is expertly designed to be adaptable, ensuring a training experience that suits participants' needs. Through engaging ...

AMPP Launches 2024 Dr. A. John Sedriks Seed Grant Award

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), a global nonprofit representing more than 33,500 members in the materials, corrosion and coatings industries, announces the 2024 Dr. A. John Sedriks Seed Grant. This grant, valued at $35,000, aims to support the development of innovative research programs in materials protection and performance, encompassing corrosion, coatings, degradation, and related areas. The grant period will span from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, with the potential for a one-year extension. Eligible applicants are those new to academia (within five years) or ...

AMMP enters Memorandum of Understanding with the American Water Works Association

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Recognizing the importance of protecting assets from corrosion in water and wastewater systems, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) today announced an agreement to collaborate to benefit their members and the wider public. The cooperative agreement will “help to promulgate knowledge and technologies that protect people, assets and the environment from the effects of corrosion.” It opens the door for cooperation on events and webinars, technical information exchange and research, and the possibility of collaboration in countries outside ...

AMPP Joins with More than 500 Organizations to Help Build Tomorrow’s Workforce

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) joined with more than 500 trade associations, professional societies, businesses, and employers to form the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, established to build support for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477). The bipartisan, bicameral Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act would expand qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include postsecondary training and credentialing, such as licenses and professional certifications. The bill would provide valuable tax-advantaged resources for families, students, ...

AMPP Appoints New Board Leadership

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), a global nonprofit representing corrosion and coatings professionals and industry, proudly announces the ratification of its newly elected Board of Directors slate for 2024-2026 and 2024 Vice Chair Candidate put forth by the Nominating Committee. The slate includes: 2024 Vice Chair Candidate Kimberly-Joy Harris, Ph.D. Enbridge Gas – Canada 2024-2026 Directors Sam Conner Jensen Hughes – U.S. Aida Garrity Mears Group, Inc. – U.S. The AMPP Board of Directors serves the association's 501(c)(6) ...

AMPP Celebrates #WomenOfAMPP for International Women in Engineering Day

In honor of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) on June 23rd, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is celebrating #WomenOfAMPP to recognize and raise awareness of their achievements and promote gender diversity in the field. AMPP heard from eight women in engineering from around the world on their inspiration, experiences and advice for young women looking to pursue a similar path. We encourage you to share their stories via social media to spread the word about this important day and show support on June 23. Monica Hernandez | CEO and Founder of Infinity Growth Corporation Involvement with AMPP: I am ...

AMPP Recognizes International Women in Engineering Day

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — On June 23, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) will celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), an annual global event to recognize and raise awareness about the achievements of women in engineering and promote gender diversity in the field. “The day aims to inspire more women to pursue careers in engineering, highlight the contributions of women engineers, and address the gender imbalance in the industry,” said Kristin Leonard, vice chair of the AMPP Global Center Board of Directors. “It makes sense for AMPP to support activities like these because of its own “Women of ...

AMPP Applauds Bipartisan Congressional Support of the H.R. 4064/S. 1932, Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the world’s largest coatings and corrosion association, welcomes the recent introduction of the bipartisan supported H.R. 4064/S. 1932, Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023. The legislation requires corrosion planning and the use of qualified and trained professionals on all bridge construction, repair, and maintenance projects throughout the country. The H.R. 4064/S. 1932, Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023, sponsored by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick ...

AMPP Announces Town Hall Webcasts for Members, Customers to Introduce New CEO Alan Thomas

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), a global nonprofit representing more than 32,000 members in the materials, corrosion and coatings industries, will host two Virtual Town Hall Meetings with new CEO Alan Thomas for members and customers to connect and engage with him. Thomas, an industry veteran with over 20 years of leadership experience, assumed the role of CEO on April 1. With a strong background in materials protection and association management, he has worked closely with various industry leaders to drive innovation and excellence. During these Virtual Town Hall sessions, Thomas ...

AMPP Recognizes World Corrosion Awareness Day, Impact of Corrosion Control

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — To remind the world that ‘rust never sleeps,’ the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) will celebrate World Corrosion Awareness Day on April 24 to recognize the impact corrosion prevention and control professionals make and promote sustainable management practices for critical industrial assets like energy infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, water/wastewater and waterways, the shipping industry, defense assets, and more. Previous studies conducted by AMPP, a global nonprofit representing more than 32,000 members in the materials, corrosion control and coatings industries, have ...

AMPP Names Alan Thomas as its CEO

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), a global nonprofit representing more than 32,000 members in the materials, corrosion and coatings industries, announces the selection of Alan Thomas as its new chief executive officer effective April 1. “It is an honor to welcome Alan to AMPP,” said Amir Eliezer, chair of the AMPP Board of Directors and member of the CEO selection committee. “Alan is an accomplished executive with an admirable leadership track record of over 20 years in CEO roles in the association field and several business entities. Alan thoroughly understands our industry and ...

AMPP Spotlights Leadership Behaviors That Drive Results at the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) will host an interactive seminar and luncheon concentrated on helping attendees build strong and effective leadership teams that are better equipped to navigate the challenges of today’s rapidly changing business environment. The forum and luncheon are part of the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, March 19 – 23, 2023, in Denver, Colorado. "Improving leadership skills allow leaders to learn new techniques, strategies, and best practices, which can help them become more effective in their roles,” said AMPP CEO Bob Chalker. “As one of the presenters, I’m ...

AMPP Promotes Tim Gonzalez to Director of Corporate Outreach and Advocacy

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) announces the promotion of Tim Gonzalez as the Director of the association’s new Corporate Outreach and Advocacy Program. Gonzalez brings over a decade of experience working in stakeholder relations at various organizations. “AMPP prides itself on cultivating homegrown talent. Tim quickly gained recognition through his knowledge of the role of higher-level management in member companies that impact the ecosystem of the materials communities,” said AMPP CEO Bob Chalker. “In Tim’s new role, I know he will continue to provide unmatched commitment ...

AMPP Welcomes New Chair of its Board of Directors

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Professor Amir Eliezer, Ph.D., is now chair of the board of directors of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), a global nonprofit representing corrosion and coatings professionals and industries in 130 countries. His term began on January 1, 2023. “It’s a great honor to serve as AMPP board chair, especially having arrived from a small country such as Israel to represent a global society now, and also serve as a member of the AMPP merger transition team,” said Eliezer. “I’m excited to volunteer and lead the AMPP board following my 20 years of active leadership roles, and I’m honored to ...

AMPP Appoints New Board Member

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), a global nonprofit representing corrosion and coatings professionals and industry, announces the appointment of Steven Meyers to the board of directors. His one-year non-voting term began on January 1, 2023. “The mission of AMPP resonates with me on a deeply professional level,” Meyers said. “I have much experience designing, launching, and developing innovative programs within associations, so I am eager to apply those skills to activities that deliver value to our members and the industry.” Meyers is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Endocrine ...

AMPP Selects Firm for CEO Search

The Association for Materials Protection and Performance ( AMPP ) has selected Sterling Martin Associates, Washington, DC, to conduct the search for its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AMPP. The AMPP Search Committee, appointed by the AMPP Board of Directors, chose the firm based on its association recruitment focus and its track record of placing quality candidates, including its placement of AMPP’s current CEO, Robert Chalker, who has announced his retirement effective July 2023. “We look forward to re-engaging with Sterling Martin to fill this critical role within AMPP,” says Terry Greenfield, Search Committee Co-Chair. “Sterling Martin will be a ...

AMPP CEO Bob Chalker Announces Retirement

Chalker will serve as CEO through July 2023 AMPP Board of Directors Will Initiate CEO Search in October 2022 HOUSTON and PITTSBURGH – AMPP announced today that CEO Bob Chalker plans to retire in July 2023. Chalker has served in his role for more than 12 years, starting first with NACE International and then as CEO of AMPP through the merger of NACE and SSPC in 2021. In October, the AMPP board of directors will commence a formal search for a successor and consider internal and external candidates for the position. “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of this great organization, and I want to extend my thanks to AMPP’s employees and members who ...