TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Market watchers are predicting a weak first quarter for IC substrate makers. Kinsus Interconnect Technologies and Nan Ya Printed Circuit Board (NPC) are expected to have a 20% to 30% drop in sales. Because of diversifying customers and products, observers are predicting only a 10% to 15% decline for Phoenix Precision Technology (PPT).
 
Estimates show a 25% decrease in fourth-quarter sales in 2008 for Kinsus and NPC. PPT is expected to show a 20% decline. Chu-Ching Hu, chairman of PPT, expects the company will see up to a 10% decline in January sales and a first-quarter loss.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – IPC is seeking nominations to recognize volunteers who contribute to IPC standards development and other association activities. Nominees are sought for contributions ranging from one-time activities to career-long service and accomplishments.
 
The IPC Peter Sarmanian Corporate Recognition Award recognizes a corporation (or division) in the PCB industry (supplier, board manufacturer or OEM) that has taken a leadership role and made contributions to the industry, while demonstrating support of IPC through participation in technical and/or management programs.
 
The IPC Stan Plzak Corporate Recognition Award recognizes a corporation (or division) in the electronics assembly industry (supplier, EMS company or OEM) that has actively contributed to enhancing the industry, while demonstrating support of IPC through participation in technical and/or management programs.
 
The IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award honors an individual for contributions with broad significance to the electronic interconnection industry and distinguished service to IPC. The nominee must support the advancement of the industry.

The Presidents Award honors individuals from IPC member companies who have demonstrated ongoing leadership in IPC and have made contributions to the association and the electronic interconnection industry.
 
Committee Leadership Awards are given to committee chairs upon completion of a standard or specific program. Individuals may receive this award more than once. This award can also be presented to an outgoing chairman who has made contributions over a period of time.
 
Distinguished Committee Service (DCS) Awards are presented to committee members who have contributed to a specific standard or other IPC program through consistent participation or regular contributions, ballot submission, and significant impact on a document or project.
 
Individuals or companies that have given exceptional service to an IPC program or the industry are honored with the Special Recognition Award. The activity can be short-term or a one-time event.
 
Nominations must include the candidate’s name, contact information and a statement describing the contribution(s), how the nominee meets the criteria and why they deserve recognition. Self-nominations are accepted.
 
Awards will be presented at Apex the week of March 30 in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.ipc.org/awards.
 
Send nominations to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Feb. 4.