August 09 ElectroIndustry - 2

Oﬃcers Chairman Stuart Thorn President & CEO Southwire Company Vice Chairman Charlie Jerabek President & CEO OSRAM Sylvania Second Vice Chairman David J. FitzGibbon President & CEO ILSCO Corporation Treasurer Dominic J. Pileggi Chairman of the Board & CEO Thomas & Betts Corporation Immediate Past Chairman John W. Estey President & CEO S&C Electric Company President & CEO Evan R. Gaddis Secretary Clark R. Silcox COMMENTS FROM THE C-SUITE I recently told the Board of Governors that NEMA activity is high and rising. In this small space, I could not possibly address all the activities in which this association is now engaged, but I assure you that they are all positive for NEMA members. I’ll touch on a couple. This month’s magazine focuses on nanotechnology. The word itself conjures the future. On the one hand, we’re talking small, miniscule—a nanometer is one billionth of a meter in size, the size of a marble when compared to the size of the earth. On the other, we’re talking big—electronics, fuel cells, lighting, energy production and conservation, drug-delivery systems, healthcare, and cleaning the environment. This is no longer simply another step in the miniaturization of electronics. The unique properties of nanoscale materials and the technologies required to capitalize on them offer incredible potentials for industrial applications as well as healthcare applications. One such important application for nanotechnologies is in high-resolution, quantitative medical imaging. Nanoparticles have become more and more prevalent, especially in advanced medical imaging modalities with advanced, contrast-enhancing techniques. These medical uses of nanotechnologies will revolutionize the way arterial blockages, tumors, and other serious health issues are detected and treated. As the association of electrical manufacturers, we at NEMA are strong proponents of developing industry standards that govern how measurements are performed on a universal basis. While Washington has already heavily invested in nanotechnology through the National Nanotechnology Initiative and the National Science Foundation, we have nothing in the current stimulus legislation for emerging technology. So, NEMA is urging Washington to continue to recognize the importance of robust U.S. participation in all stages of developing nanotechnologies—including R&D, international standards and associated measurements, commercialization, disposal, and recycling. Finally, I can’t let a day go by without talking about our intense focus on Smart Grid and its components of energy storage and high performance buildings. One item that has captured the attention of NEMA’s leadership is the importance of reliable and expanded access to electrical transmission corridors. This is especially critical if we are to tap into the opportunities of renewable generation. The lack of transmission investment activity, caused by both state and federal legal and regulatory road blocks, has absolutely shut down progress of this critical piece to the transmission and distribution of energy. Another important piece to the Smart Grid puzzle is cyber security. We now know that domestic and international hackers can break into certain elements of the grid, which can precipitate massive blackouts. We have to be vigilant and address security issues in the Smart Grid now, while we are still in the planning and design process, and not after major portions of the Smart Grid have already been deployed. NEMA looks forward to continuing our work in all these areas and leading the way as we usher America into a brighter future. ei President and CEO 2 NEMA electroindustry • August 09

August 09 ElectroIndustry

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of August 09 ElectroIndustry