Programs

Paint Consumer Research Program (PCRP)
Paint manufacturers and raw material suppliers have an opportunity to benefit from cooperative consumer market research through the Paint Consumer Research Program, (PCRP). In existence for over 25 years, this program allows subscribers to view not only "snapshots" of the market, but also longer term trends. Using an internet-based methodology operated by a leading consumer research firm, MarketTools, Inc., and facilitating programs in both the United States and Canada on the "do-it-yourself" market for architectural coatings (paints, stains, clear finishes, varnishes, etc.), the goal of the program is to obtain detailed information from approximately 9,000 households that purchased some type of architectural coating in the previous quarter. The program provides subscribers high quality, extremely detailed market research information at a very favorable price, since the cost of gathering the data is shared cooperatively among all the subscribers to the program, who pay according to a fee schedule approved by the subscribers.

The Paint Council Network
ACA’s paint councils are a network of grassroots organizations that represent the association's efforts to safeguard the interests of the paint and coatings industry. Experience to date has shown that an organized, informed membership can
make a significant difference in the outcome of public policy debates concerning paint industry issues. Currently, the network includes paint councils in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest. Administration and coordination of the Paint Council Network is overseen by the association's Government Affairs Committee.

The International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC)
IPPIC was established to ensure that the industry had a forum to fully discuss and coordinate the development of global industry policy on critical international issues facing the paint and coatings industry. The council provides an avenue for information exchange and cooperation on the major issues and priorities facing paint, coatings and printing ink industries worldwide. As secretariat of IPPIC, ACA functions as a communications center, taking a proactive role to ensure that preparatory work is executed between meetings. The council is comprised of paint and printing ink associations representing Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, France, Germany and other Eurpoean countries, and the United States. Find out more about IPPIC at www.ippic.org.

Coatings Connect
Coatings Connect is a grassroots program that provides a versatile way for industry members to get involved in the legislative and regulatory issues that impact the paint and coatings industry. The program is designed to involve all members in communicating with legislators at all levels of government about the issues that are important to the industry. Used together with ACA's direct lobbying activities and the industry’s political action committee, PaintPAC, this program rounds out a comprehensive political advocacy effort. Find out more about Coatings Connect at www.coatingsconnect.org.

PaintCARE
Following the passage of the first U.S. paint product stewardship legislation in Oregon, ACA incorporated PaintCare, a new non-profit organization to represent manufacturers in Oregon’s pilot program for the management of post-consumer paint. This pilot program is part of an overall paint product stewardship initiative pursuing a nationally coordinated and industry operated system for the end-of-life management of architectural paint. ACA will continue to advocate on behalf of the industry for the industry-run program instead of government-led extended producer responsibility programs. The PaintCare Board will serve in an operational role, ensuring the Oregon pilot program is successful and undertaking administrative responsibilities for any other states that pass this legislation.

Communications Outreach Program
ACA's Communications Outreach Program was designed to introduce and promote the benefits of our industry's products, contributions to society, and environmental strides. Through the dissemination and availability of tools such as fact sheets, brief speeches, presentations, and newsletters, the program conveys the message that paints and coatings protect, preserve and beautify many important, man-made products that are used every day. The program has been developed to address all industry audiences in a manner that educates, informs, and establishes the association as a credible source of information.

The Coatings Industry Education Fund (CIEF)
CIEF is an independent, non-profit organization that supports coatings education by providing industry-funded scholarships and fellowships to undergraduate and graduate coatings students and programs. This organization also promotes industry/university cooperation through university forums, sponsored lectures, and specialized university education to promote careers within the North American coatings industry.

Legal Issues Tracking and Amicus Program
Through its legal issues tracking and amicus program, ACA has devised a strategy for advocating legal reform. The program was created because of the association’s commitment to proactively defending the industry and striving to restore the reasonable, fair, and balanced principles of our country’s legal system. The plan has four components — Legal Issues Tracking, Amicus Filings, Public Advocacy, and Legal Research Assistance — that work together to address legal reform in a comprehensive manner.

Insurance Programs
ACA, in partnership with Coatings Industry Services, Inc. (CIS), a division of The Hanover Insurance Group, is pleased to offer insurance programs to association members in the following areas: general commercial liability and auto; property insurance; silica exposure; and insurance coverage to companies with annual gross sales of under $5 million.

PaintPAC
PaintPAC — the association’s political action committee — provides ACA with an avenue through which it can educate decision makers with regard to important industry issues. Since it is an important part of the association’s role to be an advocate for the industry, PaintPAC provides an essential forum in which to advise candidates for national and state office, members of Congress, state legislators, and elected state agency officials about ACA’s position on various issues. This greatly enhances industry’s endeavors to make sure that its point of view is heard as part of an organized effort to educate and inform key decision makers. Find out more about PaintPAC at www.paintpac.org.

Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS®)
The association developed HMIS® to aid employers in the implementation of an effective hazard communication program. The third version of this system, HMIS® III, offers comprehensive resources covering hazard assessment, hazard communication, and employee training. Find HMIS® III materials at www.jjkeller.com.