May 7, 2003
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the world's largest trade group serving the composites and cast polymer industry, has honored North Carolina Congressman Cass Ballenger with the "Legislator of the Year Award".

The award, which was presented by ACMA board member Richard Higgins, recognizes legislators who have consistently supported the goals of member companies. "If it weren't for guys like Cass, our industry would be in trouble," said Higgins, President of HK Research.

Ballenger's opposition to a rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was critical for the industry. The rule would have required composite manufacturers to control 95 percent of their emissions during the final stages of production.

HK Research is the industry's recognized leader in low-HAP gel coats, which allow users to cut their gel coat emissions considerably. Available in a wide range of colors and in every open mold category, these low-HAP gel coats easily exceed current EPA standards.

With more than 1,000 member companies, the ACMA (formerly CFA) is the world's largest trade group representing the composites industry. The ACMA offers comprehensive training programs, leadership in technical, government and regulatory affairs and hosts COMPOSITES, the industry's largest North American trade show.

NC Congressman Cass Ballenger accepts ACMA's Legislator
of the Year Award from HK's Richard Higgins.