The North American International Auto Show in Detroit always gets me thinking about new technologies for adhesives and sealants. In addition to getting a sneak peek at the cars, trucks and SUVs that will be available in 2006, it gives me a chance to see the new technologies that have been developed for these demanding applications. This issue features several exciting articles on this topic. Our cover story, "A Lighter Load: Advances in Structural Bonding Drive Lightweight and Fuel-Efficient Automotive Body Structure Designs," examines new structural adhesives from Dow Automotive. These adhesives provide OEMs with a rare proposition: the ability to improve performance and reduce mass while presenting a favorable business case. See p. 15 for details.

Following that is LORD Corp.'s "Give Glue a Go," which discusses two applications where adhesives were successfully used as a cost-effective alternative to welding. Freeman Marine and Scelzi Enterprises were both able to save time and reduce cost by replacing mechanical fasteners with structural adhesives. The article begins on p. 19.

A staff-written article looks at current trends in the adhesives and sealants industry, challenges that manufacturers are facing, and predictions for 2006 and beyond. Turn to p. 35 for the report.

I am pleased to introduce Rick Groves as our new sales rep for ASI's Midwest/West/Southwest territory. Rick will be your marketing partner for print and Internet display advertising. He has great experience, having worked in the past for AOL and Cahners, among other media firms. Rick will be contacting you soon to introduce himself, or you can connect with him at rickgrovesmedia1@aol.com or by phone (610) 341-0630, cell (610) 283-0635 or fax (610) 341-0631.

Peg Van Winkle has also joined our staff as an inside sales rep working from the Powell office. Peg comes to us with 15 years of experience in the industrial and manufacturing marketplace. She will be your contact for directory listings, classified ads and other ASI specialty products. Contact her by e-mail at vanwinklep@bnpmedia.com or call (614) 760-4222.

ASI Online Solutions has again partnered with the Adhesive and Sealant Council Inc. to co-sponsor several exciting web seminars this year. On February 9, Vahid Ebadat, vice president of Chilworth Technology Inc., will present "Flash Fires and Explosions Caused by Electrostatic Discharges - Analysis, Prevention, and Control." On March 8, Steve Harmon, Chemlogix, will discuss the challenges facing chemical companies with regard to transportation and logistics and solutions to those problems. For details on these and other seminars, visit http://adhesivesmag.webex.com.

If you are unable to attend, remember that recordings of these and other past web seminars are available as well. Visit www.adhesivesmag.com or e-mail events@adhesivesmag.com for details.