New IULTCS president’s message
28 May 2008The start of the new year saw the handing over of key roles in the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies. This is what incoming president Elton Hurlow has to say.
It has been my pleasure over the last few years to work with some extraordinary people who have contributed much to the ongoing success of the IULTCS. So, my first task is a pleasant one - on behalf of the IULTCS executive committee and our members, I would like to specifically thank Marc Folachier, John Williams and Jaume Cot for their distinguished contributions to our Union as they step down from their current positions within the IULTCS. During their tenure we have seen efficient operation and a visionary leadership that has resulted in greater outreach and expansion of the activities and role of the organisation. Today, our industry faces challenges as complex as any in its history. Technology is at the core of the transformation process that turns a waste byproduct into a durable, useful and aesthetically pleasing article. The need for good science in leather-making to solve problems and stimulate improvements is critical if leather is to maintain its position as a highly valued, core component used by leading manufacturers of leather based articles. The IULTCS is a community of ‘learned' professionals whose interest and passion is leather. Sharing of knowledge and ideas is what helps solve problems and challenges us to new levels of excellence. IULTCS congresses are the leading global forums for technical and professional interchange. Acceptance of standard test methods facilitates global commerce. Focusing available resources on the research and training needs of the industry is important for our future. These are some of the goals and activities of the IULTCS and so I invite all of our members to:
- attend and participate in upcoming IULTCS events, eg Brazil 2008, Beijing 2009
- volunteer your skills on IULTCS commissions and working groups
- visit our website to learn more about the Union and its activities
- actively support your local professional leather association and its activities
- find some way to contribute towards professional excellence in our industry and thereby the work of the Union.