Geosynthetics October/November 2023 - 6

EDITORIAL
More good news for ATA members
A
s most of you know, Geosynthetics magazine is a publication of the
Advanced Textiles Association (ATA)-a member-owned, memberdriven
trade association representing the specialty fabrics and technical
textiles industry to provide members with relevant information, sourcing
solutions and networking opportunities to sustain and grow their businesses.
Last issue, we announced that ATA launched a redesigned website to
provide visitors with a more dynamic user experience with increased overall
speed and responsiveness of networking and resources. The association also
restructured several of its divisions to create greater member engagement,
improve staff and volunteer efficiency, and allow for a focus on broader initiatives
that affect more of its members.
And now, our association has joined with more than 500 trade associaKevin
Kerfoot
Editor
+ 1 651 225 6939
kevin.kerfoot@
textiles.org
tions, professional societies, businesses and employers to form the Tomorrow's
Workforce Coalition, established to build support for the Freedom to Invest
in Tomorrow's Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477). This group is led by the
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Professional
Certification Coalition (PCC). The bill is supported by representatives Rob
Wittman (R-Va.) and Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) in the U.S. House of
Representatives and senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Mike Braun
(R-Ind.) in the U.S. Senate.
This bipartisan, bicameral Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce
Act would expand qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include
postsecondary training and credentialing, such as licenses and professional
certifications. It would also provide valuable tax-advantaged resources for
families, students and workers-with or without a college degree-who pursue
career growth, mid-career changes or pathways that diverge from a typical
academic route.
ASAE president and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, says the act can
empower workers of any educational background, skill level or age. " This
pragmatic policy would support all industries and professions that rely on
employees with specialized training or credentials. Our community is grateful
to the congressional champions for their commitment to supporting our
current and future workforce. "
In response to member concerns, ATA has also recently launched the
Workforce Development Council, which is working to find ways to build and
train the sewing, fabricating and manufacturing workforce across all segments
of the textile industry. " There is no question that workforce development is
critical for our members across all the industries we serve, " says ATA president
and CEO Steve Schiffman.
Geosynthetics
DIRECTOR OF CONTENT & MEMBER PROGRAMS
Jonathan Sweet | jonathan.sweet@textiles.org
EDITOR
Kevin Kerfoot | kevin.kerfoot@textiles.org
CREATIVE MANAGER
Cathleen Rose
ART DIRECTOR
Megan Panitzke
ADVERTISING DESIGN & CLASSIFIED AD SALES
Michelle Cook | michelle.cook@textiles.org
textiles.org/advertise
INTEGRATED MEDIA SALES
Michele Johnson, Brenda Olson,
Sara Schaefer, Angie West
SALES COORDINATOR
Lisa Batdorf | lisa.batdorf@textiles.org
textiles.org/geosynthetics-magazine-subscription
CIRCULATION PROMOTIONS SPECIALIST
Jill Poirier | subscriptions@textiles.org
EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE*
Melody A. Adams | Waste Management, USA
Sam R. Allen | TRI/Environmental, USA
Richard J. Bathurst | Royal Military College, Canada
Malek Bouazza | Monash University, Australia
Daniele A. Cazzuffi | CESI S.p.A., Italy
Archie Filshill | Aero Aggregates of North America LLC, USA
Ronald K. Frobel | R. K. Frobel & Associates, USA
Stephan M. Gale | Gale-Tec Engineering Inc., USA
John M. Gardner | Smith Gardner Inc., USA
Han-Yong Jeon | INHA University, Korea
Robert E. Mackey | S2L Inc., USA
Kent von Maubeuge | Naue GmbH, Germany
Dhani Narejo | Narejo Inc., USA
Marco A. Sánchez | ML Ingeniería, Mexico
Mark E. Smith | RRD International Corp., USA
L. David Suits | LDS Geosynthetic Consulting Services, USA
Richard Thiel | Thiel Engineering, USA
Gary L. Willibey | ESP/SKAPS Industries, USA
Aigen Zhao | AGZ International LLC, USA
*The Editorial Advisory Committee reviews selected
papers, case histories and technical editorial copy in
its areas of expertise. Individual advisors do not review
every submission. Statements of fact and opinion are
the author's responsibility alone, and do not imply
the viewpoints of Geosynthetics, the Editorial Advisory
Committee, the editors or the association.
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
PRESIDENT/CEO
Steve Schiffman | steve.schiffman@textiles.org
CFO/VICE PRESIDENT OF TECHNOLOGY
Sheila A. Sumner | sheila.sumner@textiles.org
VICE PRESIDENT/EVENTS, SALES & MARKETING
Amy Collins | amy.collins@textiles.org
ATA MEMBERSHIP
textiles.org/membership
Geosynthetics is an international, bimonthly publication for civil engineers, contractors and
government agencies in need of expert information on geosynthetic engineering solutions.
Geosynthetics presents articles from field professionals for innovative, exemplary practice.
6
Geosynthetics | October November 2023
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Geosynthetics October/November 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Geosynthetics October/November 2023