The latest news from BCI 2024 • Fort Lauderdale, Florida • April 21-24, 2024
A Batteries International publication
Chairman Chris Pruitt Outlines BCI Initiatives for the Future
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his year’s BCI conference — and special centenary celebration — opened with a bang as outgoing BCI chairman, Pruitt reviewed the past 100 years of the association and reflected on the future.
Chris Pruitt: Opening Address
In a rousing address on the first working day of the convention he praised the battery industry for its adaptability. “Our industry has a history of rolling with the punches, adapting to a changing global economy and regulatory environment. And I’m confident we will continue this tradition, in the future,” he said. “Going forward BCI is committed to doing even more — including petitioning the US Congress to invest in manufacturing jobs, protect the domestic supply chain, and ensure continued innovation of our industry.
“And that $8.1 trillion in downstream economic impact from our US industry shows our companies are connected to 48 million jobs in total.”
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ne hundred years ago, 25 firms met together for the first time at a hotel in Niagara Falls and made a pledge to lobby government to help electrical and battery firms achieve some sort of standardization across the US. Today, as BCI met to celebrate its centenary, some 800 delegates — a record number — came together in glorious Florida sunshine with a keen desire to pay
tribute to the industry forefathers. One Confucius saying goes like this: “If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of 10 years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.” So too, in his opening speech to delegates (see above), president and CEO of East Penn, Chris Pruitt said: “This year will be especially memorable. Not just as a reflection of our successes but also the lessons that teach us to
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“While our focus on the future is vital, we must never lose our concentration on the here and now. The economics of battery manufacturing must work and withstand the test of time as our industry has.” Certainly, the lead battery industry continues to be a major force within the US economy. “The lead battery manufacturers, recyclers, and suppliers here directly employ hundreds of thousands of people in North America. These workers depend on us, and we depend on them,” he said. “And that $8.1 trillion in downstream economic impact from our US industry shows our companies are connected to 48 million jobs in total.” “Like many of you out there, our company has had a positive impact on the community where we live. Continued on page 3 >
keep moving forward.” And as BCI rolled out the red carpet for THE event of the century bringing an industry together to celebrate this “once in a lifetime convention experience” delegates said they found themselves not only looking back in gratitude for everything learnt so far, but also to the future and anticipation of what’s to come. Continued on page 3 >
What’s News n BCI Chairman Pruitt Outlines Initiatives for the Future: How Battery Industry Will Adapt, Thrive in Years Ahead pages 1-3 n A Glittering Opening Reception: Delegates Wowed by the Walk of Memories Installation Displaying Rich History of BCI Told over a 100 Year Timeline Graphic. pages 6-7 n The Distinguished Service Awards Make a Come-Back with Three Industry Giants Recognized for their Service to the Industry. pages 8-9 n ENTEK wins Innovation Award and C&D Scoops Amplify Accolade For Yet Another Time! page 11 n BCI Golfers Lose Out on 100k Prize Money In Day of High Drama on Golf Course Under Scorching Florida Sun. page 12 n Meet the Women Taking Charge: WGBI Movers and Shakers Reveal the Secrets To Their Success. page 14
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