Page 8 - MetalForming February 2011

News Fronts
Letters to the Editor
Dear Mr. Kuvin:
Michael Bleau’s The Business of Metalforming column in the December 2010 issue
(pg. 8) refers to enhancements to the Section 179 Deduction under the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010. I would like to point out one additional aspect of this legis- lation that will provide immediate cash-flow benefits to manufacturers: the act allows for general business credits such as the R&D tax credit to be applied against the alterna- tive minimum tax (AMT) in 2010.
In the past, many S-corporation and partnership shareholders have been prevented from immediately using R&D tax credits that they could generate because of the AMT; also, many manufacturers (simply) mistakenly believe that they don’t qualify. While Black Line Group (a PMA member) has helped many companies benefit from the R&D tax credit, we’ve also had to tell some that they cannot use the credits they could generate. That changed in 2010.
Scott Schmidt—Principal, Black Line Group, Plymouth, MN
Dear Mr. Kuvin:
Regarding your Editorial in the December 2010 issue of MetalForming (2008 Sales at
60 Percent Labor Costs):
Well said, and your comments apply directly to the management of our association. We
feel we have accomplished significantly more with fewer on staff and have pushed them quite hard, and we are working on communicating our appreciation as you suggest.
I like your blatant approach at getting our customers to begin to hire!
Ken Gladish, marketing & sales director, Tooling & Manufacturing Assoc., Chicago, IL
Agreements
ETA Provides Software to Foster Academic- Industry Collaboration
Engineering Technology Associates (ETA), Troy, MI, is collaborating with Eastern Michigan University (EMU)
to provide students with hands-on experience using forming-simulation and die- analysis software. ETA is providing the EMU College of Technology with its Dynaform, VPG and PreSys software, valued at $300,000, as well as in-depth training for the college’s faculty members. Also on the agenda as the two parties further their col- laborative efforts: an intern- ship program, a certified short finite-element-analysis course, and an advanced
The metal you need... The solutions you want!
Alloy-X
Cut-to-Length Leveling Shearing
Slitting
Edging
Laser/Waterjet Cutting
17-4PH
17-7 PH 301 FH
304S/304L
6 MetalForming/February 2011
www.metalformingmagazine.com