A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
annual meeting
mnyca technical forum
member spotlight
mnyca golf outing 2026
community service project
afternoon at yankee stadium
benjamin moore newark facility 100th anniversary
welcome new members
MNYCA EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE
meet your mnyca board
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MEMBER COMPANIES
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
John Messina, MNYCA President
Dear Members of MNYCA,
I hope this message finds you well.
As we move further into the year, I’d like to take a moment to update you on several important changes within our association and share what lies ahead in the coming months.
As communicated previously, we have implemented several operational adjustments to ensure the long-term financial stability of MNYCA. Effective April 1st, Patty has transitioned into a reduced role as Administrator. We are incredibly grateful for her years of dedication and continued support in this new capacity.
In addition, our association is shifting toward a more member-driven model. This means many of you will have increased opportunities to take an active role in helping manage and shape MNYCA. While this represents a change from how we’ve traditionally operated, it also presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen engagement and bring fresh perspectives to our organization.
We have also made thoughtful changes to our programming to better align with our goals. Complimentary tickets for the holiday party can no longer be offered, and we will be introducing more on-line forums throughout the year to provide accessible opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.
Looking ahead, we have several great events planned that we encourage all members to participate in:
• Annual Meeting (Virtual) – June 3rd This year’s Annual Meeting will be held online, making it easier for all members to attend, stay informed, and have a voice in the direction of our association.
• Golf Outing – June 18th One of our most popular events, the golf outing is always a great opportunity to connect with fellow members in a relaxed setting.
• Yankee Baseball Game – July 22nd Join us for a fun summer outing at the ballpark—another great chance to network and enjoy time together outside of work.
These events are an important part of what makes MNYCA a strong and connected community, and I hope to see many of you there.
While the changes we’ve made were not taken lightly, we took the necessary steps to ensure that MNYCA remains viable while continuing to provide meaningful value to its members. Your continued support, involvement, and commitment are what make this organization successful.
If you are interested in becoming more involved or have ideas to share, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can continue to build a stronger and more sustainable MNYCA.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
John Messina, President MNYCA
annual meeting (virtual)
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
The MNYCA Annual meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, June 3rd at 3:00PM. Invitations will be sent shortly. Keep a lookout in your emails.
MNYCA technical Forum
June 25, 2026 - virtual meeting
the expert exchange series
The Metropolitan New York Coatings Association is pleased to announce the launch of the Expert Exchange Series, a new virtual program designed to bring leading experts in the coatings industry directly to our members via a virtual platform.
Our inaugural presentation will take place at 10:00 a.m. - June 25th, featuring Sam Morell, a recognized authority in coatings chemistry and formulation.
About the Speaker
Sam Morell is a Chemical Engineering graduate of New York University and the founder of SamMorell.com, a specialty chemical consulting firm. His professional experience includes both technical and marketing roles at Rohm and Haas, BASF, and Air Products and Chemicals.
Mr. Morell has authored numerous technical articles on additives, pigments, and resins, published across a wide range of industry journals, including PCI Magazine, Coatings World, The American Ink Maker, and Adhesives Age. He has also delivered technical papers, short courses, and workshops at regional, national, and international conferences such as the American Coatings Show, The Waterborne Symposium, The European Coatings Show, and Coatings Trends and Technologies.
Presentation Topic
Paints and Coatings: An Industry Where So Much Depends on So Little
Presented by Sam Morell
Imagine a world without protective coatings: bridges corroding and failing due to rust, wooden structures deteriorating from exposure, and concrete degrading under environmental stress. Although often unseen, coatings play a critical role in preserving infrastructure and maintaining our quality of life.
Despite their essential function, the true value of coatings is frequently underestimated. Taking a broader perspective reveals their significant impact on durability, sustainability, performance, and long-term cost avoidance. The energy and financial resources required to rebuild what coatings protect far exceed the investment needed to properly formulate and apply them in the first place.
This presentation will highlight the importance of the coatings industry while examining the interplay between foundational scientific principles and empirical formulation practices. While experience-based approaches have long guided formulators, relying solely on tradition can limit innovation and mask opportunities for advancement.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Organic Dyes & Pigments LLC, commonly referred to as ORCO™, is a long-established U.S. manufacturer and supplier of dyes, pigments, and specialty chemicals used across many industrial sectors. Founded in 1949, ORCO established its roots in the Textile Industry. Over the decades, ORCO expanded significantly, growing into a global supplier of colorant solutions with headquarters in Lincoln, RI, and an additional location in Union, SC.
Organic Dyes and Pigments supply’s high-quality dyes, pigments, and chemical auxiliaries to a broad base of customers and industries where color is an important feature of a manufactured product. Available product classes include aqueous pigment dispersions, acid, basic, direct, disperse, fiber reactive, solvent, and polymeric dyes, as well as a full range of chemical auxiliaries serving a multitude of industries: Agriculture, Coatings, Construction, HI&I, Industrial and Textile.
ORCO™ responds quickly to the needs of their customers with on-time delivery, consistently high product quality, dedicated customer service, and deeply experienced laboratory technicians. ORCO™ has sales, production, warehousing, and laboratory facilities in RI & SC, which allows for typical shipped within 48 hours after order reception.
ORCO™ employs a complete team of professional problem-solvers dedicated to responding quickly to meet the changing needs of their customers. As a result of this commitment and dedication, ORCO™ has earned a reputation for technical expertise, custom formulations and customer service which has resulted in many long-standing customer relationships.
Organic Dyes and Pigments is ISO 9001-2015 Certified and is a proud member and supporter of MNYCA, AATCC (American Association of Textile Colorists and Chemists), and ACA (American Coatings Association). www.organicdye.com
2026 mnyca golf outing
June 18, 2026
The MNYCA annual golf outing is coming up quickly on Thursday, June 18th. This year the outing will again be held at Galloping Hill Golf Course, Kenilworth, NJ. This venue was renovated by Rees Jones architect in 2014. The club hosted the 2016 NJSGA Open Championship and now again host the MNYCA Annual Golf Outing.
Registration and Sponsorship opportunities have been sent to members and suppliers. Please register by June 1st to secure your place. If you have any questions, please contact Kurt Maas, Golf Chair, at 609-847-2779 or you can also register on the MNYCA website or the following link - 2026 Golf Outing.
community service project
Saturday, April 25, 2026
On Saturday, April 25th, members of the MNYCA came together to make a difference by volunteering at the home of a local resident in Englewood, NJ. Throughout the day, our dedicated volunteers lent their time and talents to interior painting, yard work, and gutter repairs, helping to create a safer, more welcoming home.
These meaningful community service efforts would not be possible without the ongoing commitment and leadership of Dave White of Pan Technologies. Dave has been instrumental in connecting MNYCA with local service opportunities and organizations, making days like this possible.
If you’re interested in getting involved or volunteering in the future, please reach out to Dave White - we’d love to have you join us in giving back. dwhite@pantechnology.com
afternoon at yankee stadium
Wednesday, july 22 @ 1:35 p.m.
Don’t miss the opportunity to join the MNYCA at the Audi Club as we head
back to the Bronx to watch the New York Yankees on July 22nd. This event offers a great chance to connect with industry colleagues and enjoy the game with customers, friends, or family.
Gates open at 11:05 AM, with first pitch at 1:35 PM. Arrive early to take advantage of the gourmet lunch buffet, available through the 7th inning. A full cash bar will also be available for those who wish to indulge. Register, Click Here.
benjamin moore newark facility celebrates 100th anniversary
Coatings World – Kerry Pianofonte, editor
Photo credit: Benjamin Moore; From L to R - Michael McDermott, Jennifer O’Neill, Anthony DePinto, Michael Silva, Dan Calkins, Adam Bielski, Paul Connelie
Benjamin Moore marked the 100th anniversary of its manufacturing plant in Newark on Friday, December 12th, 2025. The milestone was acknowledged by Newark City Council Member for Newark’s East Ward, Michael Silva – with Silva presenting Benjamin Moore CEO Dan Calkins and members of the Benjamin Moore site team, with a declaration cementing the milestone in Newark history.
The Benjamin Moore facility on Lister Avenue opened its doors in 1925 and has remained a cornerstone of the company’s operations ever since, producing approximately 1.5 million gallons of colorant — the key ingredient that gives Benjamin Moore paints their signature richness and depth—each year. Continue Reading, Click here.
welcome our newest members to mnyca
We would like to remind everyone of our newest member companies to MNYCA. As you attend our upcoming events, such as the fall forum or the holiday party, please take a moment and introduce yourself to these individuals.
Jadel Baptista - Lincoln, RI
Biao Wu – Carmel Solvents Supply LLC
Jersey City, NJ
Heather Quartarolo – Sparta, NJ
mnyca employment committee
The MNYCA provides an opportunity for member companies to post links to your company job board on the MNYCA website. Several companies have already taken advantage of this benefit of membership. We encourage all our member companies to post a link to their jobs page as part of their recruitment strategy. Please send your requests to patty.paletto@mnyca.org
If you have any employees who are in need of new employment, we encourage them to send their resumes to: patty.paletto@mnyca.org MNYCA aids in placing people with member companies looking to fill open positions.
If your company would like to be more involved, please contact Bob Whiteley at rwhite3500@gmail.com
Meet Your MNYCA Board
Alicia Colacci – Chair of the Board - Munzing
John Messina – President - Isolatek Intl
Christine Gehres – Vice President - CGI
Tom Kinlin – Sec / Treasurer - Shamrock Tech.
Board of Trustees
Jason Anagnostis - P.O.R. Products
Michele Claeson - Trust Chem USA
Geoff Clay - Arxada
Thomas Daquila - Eagle Specialty
John Kehmna – Univar Solutions
Kurt Maas - Champion Container
Aida Mevoglioni - UMC
Thomas Penny - Benjamin Moore & Co.
Kerry Pianoforte - Coatings World
Andrew Romano - Van Horn, Metz & Co.
Bruce Schimmel – Superior Materials
Dave White - Pan Technology
Bob Whiteley – Retired - XA Solutions
Calendar of Events:
Annual Meeting - Virtual
Tuesday, June 3rd - 3:00 – 4:00PM
MNYCA Golf Outing
Thursday, June 18th - 7:30AM - 4:00PM
Galloping Hill - Kenilworth, NJ
Technical Forum
June 25th @ 10AM - Virtual
Afternoon at the YANKEE Stadium
Wednesday, July 22th @ 11:05AM
“The Bronx” NY
Holiday Party
Tuesday, December 8th @ 6PM
The Tide Estates – N. Haledon, NJ
Cocktail Reception event format
Connect with MNYCA on Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6531944/
