Copper Development Association

and copper alloys through research, development, and education, as well as technical and end-user support. CDA is committed to promoting the proper use of copper materials in sustainable, efficient applications for business, industry, and the home. “The organization was founded in 1963,” says CDA President, Thom Passek. “It was established to bridge the gap between companies that mined copper, fabricated copper products, or marketed copper and copper alloys to those that produce a myriad of applications. It was really created to help grow interest in, and demand for, copper and copper alloy products. That hasn’t changed over the 50-plus years that we’ve been in existence. It still brings together the copper producers, copper fabricators, and the users of copper with the essential goal of promoting and growing the use of copper.” “Our mission is to influence the use of copper and copper alloys through market research, technical research, market development and education, as well as technical and end-user support,” Passek continues. “So, we’re going out and supporting our members’ customers’ customers. Our vision is to promote the goals of our members, while serving the needs of the users, purchasers, designers, and special buyers of copper and copper alloys. So, we’re out there, positively influencing the use of copper and its alloys in the marketplace. We develop and share scientifically sound knowledge related to the production and use of copper and copper alloys; we support and promote technologies, systems, and applications in which copper materials play a role; and we encourage both corporate and environmental responsibility in the process.” The membership of the CDA is comprised, primarily, of some 60 companies throughout the United States and Canada that are copper fabricators of: sheet, strip and plate; tube and fittings; rod and bar; and wire and cable. “We also have a connection with the copper miners in North America, as well,” Passek adds. “There are different tiers of membership. To be a full member, you either have to produce copper at the mine, or produce a fabricated copper product in North THE COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOC I AT ION pictured CDA President, Thom Passek