History of PDCA
The Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) traces its history to 1884 when it was established by a group of contractors. The first name of PDCA was the "Master House Painters Association of the United States and Canada". It came into legal existence in New York City on January 15, 1885 for the specific purpose of attacking industry abuses which arose from "unwise competition", to remedy a defective apprentice system, to solve problems created by unsatisfactory materials, and to devise a means for assuring the public of the "skill, honorable reputation, and probity" of master painters.
Introduction to the PDCA Standards Process
Of all of the functions performed by an association, there is perhaps none more important or more public-spirited than that of establishing industry standards. By undertaking to define what constitutes the proper – or more specifically, professional – way of doing things in an industry, and then communicating those standards to the general public, it removes the “veil of secrecy” that so often exists between an industry and the public. Thus, by making clear to consumers the terms and understandings by which an industry’s members communicate with the public and each other, the opportunities for confusion and disagreements are substantially diminished.
PDCA, earlier this year through its Standards Committee, embarked on just such a venture – to make the painting and decorating industry less opaque both to those who rely upon it to make their living, as well as to those who purchase its services. Each Standard is organized into seven sections: (1) scope; (2) significance and use; (3) reference documents and standards; (4) definitions; (5) standard specification; (6) comments; and (7) disclaimer of liability. The Standards discuss a range of issues that commonly become the subject of misunderstandings or, in extreme cases, contract disputes and provide guidance for both the contractor and the layman about how such differences can best be avoided.
To date, the Committee has completed work on ten Standards, with five more currently in progress. Comments or questions regarding the Standards or their interpretation should be addressed to the Chairman of the Committee at PDCA headquarters.
For more on PDCA Industry Standards please refer to the PDCA links on this page.
Throughout the long history of the organization, PDCA has never lost sight of its purpose and goals to:
1) Enhance the advancement of the coating application industry
2) Provide a conduit for communication between those involved in the coating application industry
3) Provide services to members that cannot be obtained in small groups or individually
4) Be the voice of the coating application industry
5) Promulgate an attitude of ethical responsibility in business
Mission Statement
PDCA exists to lead the industry by providing quality products, programs, services, and opportunities essential to the success of our members.
Copyright & Courtesy of PDCA.org
