About Us
The roots of the Southwest Section go back to 1945 when eleven brick makers gathered at the University of Texas and organized the Ceramic Society of the Southwest. In 1951 this group was granted a charter by the American Ceramic Society as the Southwest Section. Its purpose is to promote all ceramic arts and sciences. Semi-annual meetings of two or three days include presentations of symposia, technical papers, suppliers’ exhibits, plant tours, a banquet, social program, golf outing, and companions’ program. Suppliers are invited to display their products at tabletop exhibits.
Officers for 2008:
Chairman: Harland Dixson, Acme Brick
940-387-5804
hdixson@brick.com
Chair-elect/Counselor: Fred McMann, North American Mfg.
281-693-0074
FredMcMann@namfg.com
Vice Chair/Secretary: Gary Schlager, Process Engineering Srvs.
903-537-2787
pes@mt-vernon.com
Treasurer: Glenn Holladay, Materials & Ceramic Chemicals
936-321-6126
gwholladay@aol.com
Meetings
Spring 2008 - Joint meeting with Mexican Ceramic Soc., Z.N.
June 25 - 28, 2008
Doubletree Hotel
San Antonio, Texas
June 25
Seminar presented by Dr. Denis Brosnan,The National Brick Research Center and The Edward F. Orton Foundation, with assistance from The Tile Council of North America "Laboratory Assistance for the Brick, Tile and Refractories Industries” - An open and informative discussion aimed at securing your company's competive position in a global manufacturing environment. The seminar presents the capabilities of contemporary laboratory instruments including x-ray flourescence spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, Leco analysis, and thermal analysis, among others with an eye toward assisting the plant operator with problem solving and process and product improvement.
June 26
Technical session with presentation of papers focused on strategies to stay competitive in the present business environment. Program Chair - Fred McMann.
June 27
Industrial tour to Southwest Research Foundation and Golf Outing. Including Hospitality, Banquet, Vendor Exhibits and an extensive Companion’s and Children’s Program
For information and registration, contact Gary Schlager.
Doubletree Hotel reservations
$105 single/$115 double (210) 366-2424
Annual dues: $25.00 ( $20.00 if over age 65)
Mail to:
Gary Schlager, Secretary, SWACerS
353 County Road NE2050
Mount Vernon, TX 75457
The Southwest Section administers the Forrest K. Pence Memorial Scholarship Fund and The Robert and Mary Buttle Scholarship Fund.
For information contact: David Cramer - 214-631-0540, trinityceramic@sbcglobal.net