Advanced Finishing USA

This week, I had the privilege of attending the EPRI Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Digital Transformation (DX) in Electric Power Summit, hosted by Stanford University Bits and Watts initiative. Through my master’s program at The Johns Hopkins University and my work at Leidos I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the immense challenges facing the electric power grid. These challenges include responding to climate change and decarbonization, addressing increased load demand, managing aging infrastructure, and mitigating cyber threats. It was inspiring to be surrounded by a diverse and brilliant community of scientists and professionals dedicated to tackling these issues head-on. Together, we discussed how technology can enable a grid that is cleaner, more reliable, and more resilient. Particularly notable is the role of AI and data centers in this transformation, even as they contribute to the challenge of load growth. Initiatives like Google's 24/7 Clean Energy project demonstrate the importance of industry leaders to leverage their technology to directly support grid modernization and decarbonization efforts. Through their active investment, they must commit to accelerating the solution rather than simply contributing to the problem. This semester, I’m diving deeper into this problem space by taking a course on AI and Renewable Energy and stepping into the role of AI Lead for Leidos’s Energy in AI Innovation initiative. I’m excited to continue learning, collaborating, and exploring how AI and digital transformation can shape a brighter energy future.

From our Advanced Finishing Family to yours. Merry Christmas and the happiest of all holidays.

Our monthly Crock Pot Wednesday falls on Thanksgiving Eve. What a feast today! Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn bread, and so much more. Hope we saved room for tomorrow, but there is risk that we did not. Advanced Finishing USA is thankful for our employees, our customers, our suppliers, and our community.

Work has been pouring into Advanced Finishing, and our employees have worked hard to pump it out as fast as it arrives. We had a much deserved pause last week for our regularly scheduled Crockpot Wednesday the last week of each month. Special thanks to Marina M. Young of Remedy Staffing, who thoughtfully participated with a dessert tray. #powdercoating www.afusa.com

HEY, WE DID THAT! For those of a certain age, it might be impossible to look at today's date and not recall where we were 23 years ago. Nor can we forget the emotions of the day and the days that followed. It still brings tears and a lump in the throat. Pictured here is the 9/11 Memorial, which includes two pools in the footprints of the former North and South Towers. Each pool is one acre and contain the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. They represent "absence made visible" in that nothing can fill the void left in the wake of those terrible attacks. The massive pumps, required to move all this water, needed a rust preventative coating that was of the highest quality in order to properly honor both our country as well as the names of those killed, etched in bronze at the memorial. Advanced Finishing USA was honored (to say the least) to be selected to provide a solution to this tricky and high profile project. Yeah, we did that. And it is arguably the most precious problem we have ever solved. www.afusa.net #EriePA #Powdercoating

Last weekend we held our annual company picnic for employees and families. Music. Games. Give-aways. And AMAZING food provided by our Office Manager, Michelle Carman and her husband’s food truck. What a great day! www.afusa.net

I was so excited to eat, I forgot to snap a picture until it was almost over. Another Crock Pot Wednesday, and a lot of stuffed employees. www.afusa.net

HEY, WE DID THAT! If you enjoyed Celebrate Erie last week, you probably walked by Advanced Finishing handiwork - Like the fencing on the pavilion at Perry Square. If you are looking to solve a problem where your metal will be exposed to harsh environments, like direct sunlight and Erie-winters, remember that Advanced Finishing USA is at your service. And also remember - It is ok to love Erie! www.afusa.net #powdercoating #eriepa

With a day of coating red and green, it looked like Christmas in August here today. Advanced Finishing USA has your back no matter the season! www.afusa.net #eriepa #powdercoating

Another Crock Pot Wednesday. BBQ Ham. Chicken Wings. Beans. Tacos. Hot Dogs. And we got to try something new from Nepal - Samosa. Absolute deliciousness with a spicy kick! So glad our employees came up with this idea. We all look forward to it. www.afusa.net