CMFI
Founded in 1935, the Chicago Metal Finishers Institute is one of the largest and most effective metal finishing association in the country. As an affiliate of the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF), membership in CMFI also means automatic membership in our national association and is open to metal finishing facilities and related industries.
The aims and purposes of the CMFI are:
- To provide a centralized source of information concerning the rules and regulations made by local, state and federal agencies; to assist members in complying with these regulations; and to minimize confusion in interpreting these regulations as they apply to the metal finishing industry.
- To conduct regular meetings and seminars promoting ongoing education and providing a forum for discussion of common interest and problems related to the business of electroplating, enameling, and polishing of metal parts.
- To foster social, friendly association of CMFI members and others interested in maintaining the highest standards in metal finishing.
BENEFITS OF CMFI/NAMF MEMBERSHIP
- MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS. Evening dinner meetings with programs devoted to timely management subjects. Meeting with industry colleagues and discussing mutual problems make our members more profitable.
- NEWSLETTER AND FAX UPDATES. The Newsletter and fax bulletins provide educational articles and reports on association activities and keep our members posted on industry news.
- LIAISON WITH REGULATORY AGENCIES. CMFI has established and maintains an excellent rapport with city, county and state agencies in the area of water and air pollution, solid waste management, and OSHA requirements.
- WAGE AND BENEFIT SURVEY. A useful tool for comparison of current wage and benefit packages offered by other facilities in our member area.
- DIRECTORY & FACILITIES GUIDE. A proven toolnow available on our website, directs potential customers to our members based on processes and other pertinent data. Key staff names are listed with vital information for each company member. Potential customers are referred to member companies via both the Directory as well as referrals from CMFI headquarters.
- STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE. This document has become the standard for the entire industry and helps to establish the amount of liability metal finishers must assume.
- LEGAL COUNSEL. CMFI employs legal counsel for handling matters affecting the association or membership at large. Advice is available to members pertaining to legal and regulatory matters as well as providing members with a letter collection service for delinquent accounts.
- TECHNICAL CONSULTANT. CMFI employs a specialist to advise on technical matters and provide consults on air and water pollution problems.
- ADMINISTRATIVVE OFFICE. CMFI maintains a full-time office staff experienced in administering the affairs of the Association and our active committees.
- SOCIAL EVENTS. Special cultural and sporting events are offered for the enjoyment of members, families and guests.
- REWARD FUND. Offers rewards for the apprehension and conviction of criminal behavior against a member company.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE FOR YOU LATELY?
EXTRAORDINARY MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT (EME) CHARGE
Beginning in December 1999, CMFI representatives began an ongoing dialogue with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago to find a reasonable alternative to the existing EME charge. After one full year of negotiations, the District agreed to suspend all EME charges. Instead, the District substituted a new method to recover administrative compliance costs.
Estimated Savings to CMFI Chicago-area Members: Approximately $6,000/member; $2,000,000 industry-wide.
MP&M
NAMF’s Government Relations Committee and DC office have successfully led the fight to defeat the proposed MP&M regulation which if enacted would, by the Government’s own estimates, have put 10–20% of platers out of business. NAMF committed all its resources (NEARLY $1 MILLION) and energies to this effort on its members behalf—AND WE WON THE FIGHT! The estimated cost savings to metal finishers for the defeat of this regulation is $1 BILLION in annual compliance costs!!!
Chrome PEL
The industry associations have incurred technical, economic and legal consulting fees of approximately $350,000 in our efforts to challenge the proposed regulation on the basis of health risks to workers, technological feasibility, and economic impact. We are anticipating additional expenses for litigation at approximately $300,000.
The original proposed legislation called for a PEL of 1 µg/m3. Because of our diligent efforts, OSHA’s final rule determed that a PEL of 5 µg/m3 is the lowest level that is technologically and economically feasible for industries impacted by this standard.
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