Advocating for Family Businesses — and the Entire Composites Industry

I am proud to serve as co-CEO of a second-generation, family-owned business along with my brother, Jay Multanen. With a strong leadership team and dedicated employees, Bestbath has grown into a $50 million-plus company. I understand what an amazing achievement that is. 

There are 32.4 million family businesses in the United States that generate $12.9 trillion in gross domestic product for the American economy, according to the Conway Center for Family Business. However, less than one-third of those companies successfully transition to the second generation, and only 12% make it to the third generation. 

ACMA has launched the Family Business Network (FBN) to help ensure that family-owned businesses in the composites industry are among those that survive and thrive. The FBN will offer networking events, mentorship programs and educational opportunities, as well as lead advocacy efforts.  

You can join the FBN on May 6, 2025, in Chicago for a three-hour workshop led by family business consultant Dennis Jaffe. One of the key takeaways will be a personalized Family Governance Assessment Tool to help chart your company’s course for the future. (Learn more about the Family Business Network and workshop at acmanet.org/FBN.) 

ACMA’s Composites 2025 Fly-In is another must-attend event. The Fly-In, which will be held June 10 – 12, 2025, in Washington, D.C., provides inside knowledge about policies and legislation affecting our businesses. During the event, you will meet with key leaders on Capitol Hill, including senators and representatives. (Register for the event at acmanet.org/flyin2025.) 

The Fly-In and ACMA’s advocacy efforts are more important than ever now that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified styrene as one of five candidates for designation as High Priority Substances for Risk Evaluation under its Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Composites manufacturers have a long history of safely working with advanced materials, and ACMA is ready to constructively engage with the EPA on the initiation of prioritization for styrene. 

There is a lot going on in the composites industry in 2025 – and beyond. In this issue of Composites Manufacturing magazine, you can gain insights on the state of the industry (page X), learn about innovations in pultrusion (page X) and track the potential for offshore wind energy (page X). And, as always, the best way to stay informed is to join ACMA and engage with other members. Together, we can continue to elevate composite materials, applications and companies. 

Sincerely, 

Megan Multanen

ACMA Chair of the Board

megan.multanen@bestbath.com