AISI Records Achievements Through 2005 Annual Report

AISI released its 2005 Annual Report, "Steel—Strategic, Sustainable, Focus on the Future," at its Board of Directors Meeting, held in Washington, D.C. in the end of January. "The Annual Report provides ample evidence of our industry's strategic importance to America's future," Andrew G. Sharkey, III, president and CEO of AISI said in announcing the Report. One of the key messages stressed in the report is the North American steel industry's role as a strategic industry—"an industry that is forging a sustainable future for the manufacturing sector and for North American steel," said Sharkey.

"Our industry is essential to America's economic and national security and is a building block of America," he said. "AISI, with our Member Companies, is committed to developing a sustainable North American steel industry, one that exhibits strong financial performance, environmental solutions and progressive social contributions."

The Report features sections describing the association and industry's "Focus on the Future" and "Focus on Sustainability." Highlights include the Institute's public policy agenda to promote competitive issues of common concern to U.S. manufacturers, on keeping strong on trade issues, and on its progressive environmental priorities. The Report also details the industry's environmental performance, including specific achievements' impact on the planet, such as the fact that: "If every individual and segment of the U.S. economy had achieved the same energy improvements as the steel industry, the U.S. would exceed Kyoto accords."

Also included are sections on the Institute and steel industry's focus on meeting society's needs through programs ranging from the ULSAB-Advance Vehicle Concepts (ULSAB-AVC) project, to the canned food program, to the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition's efforts and a new initiative focused on helping rebuild the Gulf Coast region (the Gulf Coast Steel Initiative). These programs represent only a few examples of how AISI leverages dozens of industry partnerships—others are outlined in the Annual Report. "An essential component of our work lies in our establishing strong, strategic partnerships with other groups that share our vision and commitment to growing these markets," said Sharkey.