From fake designer handbags to downright dangerous batteries and extension cords, no industry remains immune to the ills of counterfeiting — including bearings. To address this global challenge, the Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) will speak about anti-counterfeiting efforts at its Winter Meeting, to be held January 17 to 19 in Tampa, Fla. Attendees will hear an important update from Scott Lynch, president of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA) on efforts launched by ABMA and the World Bearing Association (WBA) to confront this growing problem.
According to the BSA, counterfeiting is an estimated $600-billion-per-year problem, costing U.S. businesses $200 to $250 billion annually and directly responsible for the loss of more than 750,000 American jobs. Lynch's lunch presentation, scheduled for January 18, has captured the attention of a number of industry leaders, many of whom have already been adversely affected by counterfeit materials. All BSA members and participating manufacturers are urged to learn the facts and impacts of counterfeit bearings and how to partner with ABMA to educate and motivate end users to buy only from authorized sources. The Winter Meeting also provides an opportunity for attendees to network with industry peers in a smaller, more casual setting than the association's annual convention. For more information, visit www.bsaconventions.org/2010winter/index.shtml.
