For the past 50 years, the Adhesive and Sealant Council, Inc. (ASC) has guided the North American adhesive and sealant community in changing the way the world is held together. The story of ASC and its members is one of vision, determination and forward thinking. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this unique organization with a vast history, a bright future and a lot to celebrate.

On Tuesday, April 22, 2008, as part of the World Adhesive Conference and Expo (WAC), ASC will host an Anniversary Celebration to mark this momentous occasion. The serendipitous timing of WAC allows ASC friends and family from around the world to join in the festivities.

Once, adhesive and sealant usage was rather limited. As “glue” became more widely used, the industry recognized the need for a forum to exchange ideas and a collective voice in advocacy efforts. This led to the advent of ASC in 1958.

"Virtually anywhere you look, you'll find something containing an adhesive or sealant," says ASC President Lawrence D. Sloan. "They can be found in the packaging of your favorite food, in your home, in the car you drive, in the clothes you wear, and, of course, in the ubiquitous Band-Aid®you apply to scrapes and cuts. In many ways, adhesives and sealants are responsible for bringing modern technology to market, and they have played an integral role in the design of laptop computers, cell phones, iPods, and anything else containing a semiconductor chip."

As part of its anniversary celebration, ASC created a Commemorative Album and an Online Yearbook to chronicle the history of the Council, the adhesive and sealant industry, and the individuals who comprise both.

"Fun and insightful, the album and yearbook make you think about the way adhesives and sealants not only affect the world we live in today, but how they shaped the past," Sloan says.

The Online Yearbook is available for public viewing, and the Commemorative Album will be presented to members of the international adhesive and sealant community at WAC.

"ASC has been the 'glue' of the industry for the past 50 years and, as always, our eyes are securely on the future," Sloan says. "In 2008, we invite you to join us as we 'Celebrate the Past and Secure the Future.'"

For more information, visitwww.ascouncil.org.