ASTM International launch ‘Year of the SME’

ASTM International has launched the ‘Year of the SME: Small Business in Action’ at its first major meeting of 2016.

Throughout 2016, ASTM will emphasise the importance of input from small and medium-sized enterprises to creating high-quality technical standards. ASTM will also highlight advantages SMEs gain by being members, including ASTM’s consensus-driven approach that gives them an equal voice and vote alongside representatives of larger companies and others.

“I’m thrilled that we are celebrating SMEs this year,” said Ralph Paroli, Ph.D., ASTM International’s chairman for 2016. “Thousands of small businesses around the world work through ASTM to make their voices heard, to help them compete globally, to drive innovation, to create jobs, and to network. ASTM’s open process and low membership cost make it easy for small manufacturers and others to participate on a level playing field.”

Paroli, director of research and development in Measurement Science and Standards at the National Research Council of Canada, made the announcement at ASTM’s January Committee Week in San Antonio, Texas.

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/28012016/astm-international-launch-year-of-the-sme-404/