Business View Magazine | February 2019

28 worked with Tom Dobbins of American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), and other or- ganizations,when it’s appropriate.We also have a booth at one or two trade shows a year to maintain a presence and collaborate with other associations on advocacy.” BVM: How is the membership structured and what are the benefits? Church: “In total, there are 52 TRFAmember compa- nies; some will have five to ten active participants. We have supplier members, formulator members, distributor members, academics, and service profes- sionals.The Association is funded with membership dues and our Annual Meeting is self-supporting. We have conference-call meetings of our market- focused committees and occasional webinars, but the face-to-face meeting is our annual meeting.We also conduct a tabletop showcase at the Annual Meeting,which is an important opportunity for our suppliers and distributors to show new products and connect with the formulators. Even if they don’t present a technical paper, they have an opportunity to promote their products and their company. “The Association also has an academic panel that is building relationships with the colleges and universities.One of the important initiatives in that regard is TRFA’s Excellence in Thermoset Polymer