By: Davies Hood, Induron President
I recently attended the AMPP Annual Conference in Houston, TX, where I had the opportunity to network, learn, and catch up with some of my people—a unique group of professionals who work tirelessly (and in many cases, across multiple generations) to prevent or at least slow down corrosion.
Now, I know that may sound about as interesting as gathering to “watch paint dry”… and, in some ways, it is. But it’s also about much more than that.
AMPP (the Association for Materials Protection and Performance) is exactly what the name implies: a professional organization focused on protecting critical assets and improving material performance. It’s one of several trade associations that Induron proudly supports and participates in, all for the greater good of an industry that plays a vital role in supporting infrastructure and communities around the world.
Induron attends AMPP each year for a variety of professional and corporate responsibility reasons. But if I’m being honest, the real reason I go is the people.
As an extrovert who quite literally grew up in the corrosion control industry—I’m a third-generation “paint guy,” with my grandfather founding The Industrial Paint Co., Inc. more than 80 years ago—I genuinely enjoy the opportunity to collaborate, connect, share a meal, and talk innovation with others in this field. AMPP provides all of that and more, from a well-attended trade show to educational sessions, keynote speakers, and countless networking opportunities.
The highlight of the 2026 conference came on Tuesday afternoon, March 17, when I had the honor of accepting the CoatingsPro Contractor Award on behalf of Corrosion Control Corporation (CCC). CCC received the 2025 award in the Industrial Steel category for their coatings application on the Virginia Commercial Flight Authority’s Wallops Island launch pad project.
These CoatingsPro Awards, presented by AMPP’s official publication, recognize contractors who demonstrate exceptional skill, precision, and dedication in their work. And while every nominated project represents complex and demanding conditions, this one certainly stood out.
Imagine a nearly 300-foot-tall elevated structure located directly on the Atlantic seaboard. The bowl was coated on the ground, then lifted by crane and welded into place nearly 290 feet above terra firma. It’s the kind of project that pushes limits and showcases what’s possible when expertise meets execution.
We’ve written about this project in the past, but receiving this award on behalf of a contractor I not only respect, but also consider a true friend, made the moment even more meaningful.
I could go into the long history between Induron and Corrosion Control Corporation, but this is just a blog, and history has a way of repeating itself. So instead, I’ll leave you with the words of AMPP CEO Alan Thomas, who described these award-winning projects as “solutions that are innovative, practical, and effective in the field… where it matters most.”
And that’s really what this industry and this community is all about.