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"Seven Revolutions" Director Erik Peterson To Address AISI's 2006 General Meeting May 8

Erik Peterson, senior vice president of The Center for Strategic and International Studies and director of "The Seven Revolutions Initiative," will deliver keynote remarks on the seven revolutions research that promotes strategic forward thinking at the AISI's 114th General Meeting, which will be held May 7-9 in Boca Raton, Fla.

In his research and presentations, Erik Peterson focuses on the seven revolutions in the areas of (1) population; (2) strategic resource management; (3) technological innovation and diffusion; (4) the flow of information and knowledge; (5) global economic integration; (6) the nature and mode of conflict and (7) the challenge of governance.

An expert in geopolitical and country risk assessment, international trade and finance, international business strategy and global strategic planning, Peterson will present in detail on the seven revolutions, focusing on different regions in the world, and helping steel producers identify their various roles in each area.

With the AISI annual meeting's theme Focus on Competition, this premier meeting of steel producers, suppliers and service centers provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues affecting the competitiveness of North American manufacturing. Several steel industry chief executives will examine major trends shaping the future of the global steel industry in a joint session (May 8) that will be moderated by Steven P. Anderson, a director in the Corporate and Investment Banking department of Credit Suisse. Speakers include: Louis L. Schorsch, Mittal Steel USA; Daniel R. DiMicco, Nucor Corporation; Michael H. Hoffman, Macsteel Service Centers USA; Bill Jones, O'Neal Steel; Bud Siegel, Russel Metals, Inc.; John P. Surma, United States Steel Corporation; and David Sutherland, IPSCO Inc.

Charlie E. Cook, The Cook Political Report, will deliver luncheon remarks on May 8 in a joint session. He will provide his analysis on the 2006 mid-term elections and will handicap 2008 Presidential contenders. Tony Blankley, The Washington Times, will deliver closing remarks on May 9, based upon his newly-released book The West's Last Chance: Will We Win the Clash of Civilizations?

The AISI 2006 General Meeting's general sessions will begin at 8:15 am on Monday, May 8, at The Boca Raton Resort and Club in Boca Raton, FL. All joint general sessions are open to the media. AISI will hold a media briefing from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm at The Boca Raton Resort and Club on May 8. For more information, contact Katie Gallagher.

Great Designs in Steel Seminar Draws Record-Breaking Attendance

On Wednesday, March 8, 2006, AISI's Automotive Applications Committee (AAC) welcomed 1,565 engineers from OEM and auto supplier companies to the fifth Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) Seminar.

The seminar debuted in 2002, drawing over 450 attendees, and focused on the results of the ULSAB-AVC project and its innovative application of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS). In 2006, attendees numbering three and a half times the original audience enjoyed presentations and exhibits featuring cutting-edge steel technology.

"This event has gone from the steel industry suggesting what might be done with the new AHSS, to the automotive industry reporting what is currently being done in vehicles today and what is planned for tomorrow," said Ron Krupitzer, vice president, Automotive Applications of AISI.

Leading off the seminar was James L. Wainscott, chairman, president, and CEO, AK Steel Corporation, with opening remarks about Great Designs in Steel and about the state of the steel industry.

Wainscott commented on the importance of steel in today's vehicles. He explained that some 65 percent of the vehicle mass is steel, a number that has changed ever so slightly in 20 years.

"Steel products, however, certainly change," said Wainscott. "Better corrosion resistance, wider coils and sheets, thinner gauges, better quality and, of course, higher strengths."

Commenting on the current state of the steel industry, Wainscott stated, "Today, the steel industry is stronger and is ready to face new issues. In spite of the past challenges, our vision of the North American steel industry is now brighter and we see new possibilities for the future."

Ronald Nock, president and CEO of Severstal North America, drove home the idea of success through collaboration at the lunch break. "Either cut costs, get global, modernize, collaborate where it makes sense, and satisfy your customers or you won't survive."

Nock cited several successful auto/steel collaborative projects, reiterating Jim Wainscott's remarks on the $44 million ULSAB projects funded by world steel. "This was the most significant partnership involving steel that the world has ever seen," Nock said.

He further detailed the successes of several Auto/Steel Partnership projects including the closure project involving a baseline Jeep Liberty; the Lightweight Front End Structure study for improving crash management in light front-end structures; the project to evaluate the stiffness of welded frame joints in light trucks and sports utility vehicles, which resulted in the development of a Welded Joint Toolbox; the work on lightweighting using advanced high-strength steels, some of which was in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy, a project known as FreedomCAR.

The final example of successful collaboration cited by Nock was the IMPACT project, which stands for Improved Materials and Powertrain Architectures for 21st Century Trucks. Partners in this collaborative work were Ford Motor Company, U.S. Army TACOM, American Iron and Steel Institute, Mississippi State University and the University of Louisville.

"Needless to say, our two industries will continue to face significant challenges in the years to come. Vehicles must get lighter, must get stronger, must get safer and must become more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Which means we must provide better and more cost effective steels for you to work with," Nock concluded.

In addition to OEM presentations, 19 presenters covered a range of technology subjects from sophisticated applications in powertrain, fuel tanks, wheels and suspensions to high-tech manufacturing tips for stamping, rolling, tooling, forging and joining.

In addition to the technical sessions, state-of-the-art displays put form to the various presentations. The vehicle displays included the 2006 Pontiac Solstice Body-in-White, Ford Fusion Cutaway, BMW 3-Series Body-in-White and Chrysler Caliber Cutaway.

Other exhibits included the Auto/Steel Partnership and Department of Energy front-end crashed vehicle, steel wheels, fuel tanks, bumper systems, suspension systems, forging components, and the scale models from the most recent College for Creative Studies internship program.

Customers and suppliers gave strong feedback to AISI about the value of the information covered in the technical sessions and exhibits. They especially appreciated the networking opportunities for engineers.

Presentations from Great Designs in Steel 2006 are available for download at www.autosteel.org. For more information, contact Deanna Lorincz.

Gulf Coast Steel Initiative Lays Foundation—Challenges, But Optimism Are Ahead

A site visit to the Gulf Coast in February confirmed what Gulf Coast Steel Initiative (GCSI) team members expected— that local officials and homebuilders are open to learning the benefits of rebuilding their area stronger with steel. But the visit also highlighted significant challenges that people of the region are facing to put their lives back together.

The GCSI, authorized by AISI's Board of Directors and supported by 12 North American steel companies, is in the preparatory stages of implementing long-term strategies to positively impact future construction practices in this hurricane-devastated region. The focus is on the residential framing and roofing markets and on recycling.

Research with regional focus groups conducted by the National Association of Home Builders shows that builders are ready to move ahead in the rebuilding process, but are being held back by pending changes to building codes, zoning restrictions, and the development of FEMA criteria to address labor and material shortages. While receptive to steel solutions, they need assistance in making a business case for a steel-framed system unique to the region, which is being addressed by the Steel Framing Alliance (SFA). Another challenge they face is rebuilding a skilled workforce, an issue being addressed by both the SFA and the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), which are working with community colleges to set up training sessions for students wanting to learn how to work with steel framing and roofing. In addition, the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) is working with state and local Departments of Environmental Quality to assess the recycling need and to reestablish the SRI recycling database, which provides information essential to the clean up and recycling of steel products.

These preparatory efforts are paving the way to the next phase of the Gulf Coast Steel Initiative's strategy-to begin training a workforce to facilitate the long-term rebuilding of homes and replacement of roofs throughout the Gulf Coast region. For more information, contact Debbie Bennett.

Louis L. Schorsch of Mittal Steel USA Begins AISI Chairmanship, Visits AISI

Louis L. Schorsch, president and chief executive officer of Mittal Steel USA, succeeded John Surma of U.S. Steel as AISI chairman as of April 1, 2006. To kick off his chairmanship, Schorsch visited AISI Headquarters in Washington on March 31, while AISI Pittsburgh and Detroit offices were able to join via videoconference. His visit served as an opportunity to introduce himself to AISI associates, as well as present a description of the state of the industry and his priorities as AISI chairman.

The hour-long session followed by shorter, individual meetings with AISI Senior Staff proved successful in discussing AISI priorities for the upcoming year. Schorsch referenced discussions he had with several AISI Directors and as a result, felt positive about the direction of the Institute and his enthusiasm to share his industry expertise in order to pursue AISI goals.

Louis L. Schorsch was named president of Mittal Steel USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Mittal Steel Co, in January 2006, having been selected as the company's chief executive officer in April 2005. He had been president and chief executive officer of Ispat Inland, a predecessor company, since October 2003.

Schorsch had joined the LNM Group in March 2003 and was involved in the group's export activities before taking over Ispat Inland's leadership. Mittal Steel USA acquired International Steel Group and merged it with Ispat Inland. Schorsch had spent most of his career as an analyst of the steel industry and a consultant to steelmakers all over the world.

He was a principal with McKinsey & Company, a management consulting firm that advises the top management of leading companies and institutions on issues of strategy, organization, technology and operations for 15 years. As a co-leader of the firm's metals practice, he worked directly with senior steel executives at companies around the world.

Earlier in his career, he had been senior economist for AISI and an analyst in the U.S. Congressional Budget Office. After leaving McKinsey in 2000, he was president and CEO of Global Steel Exchange. Schorsch holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and a doctorate in economics from American University, both in Washington, DC. For more information, contact Satura Bridgewater.

Canned Food Alliance Works to Create a Healthier America

The Canned Food Alliance (CFA) is committed to educating consumers and food influencers (such as dieticians and reporters) about the nutritional value of canned food. In 2006, the CFA is expanding its marketing and communications outreach by working closely with the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH).

PBH is a non-profit consumer education foundation that serves as a catalyst for creating a healthier America through increased consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Canned Food Alliance Director Rich Tavoletti represents canned food interests at PBH Board meetings and is a member of PBH's Consumer Marketing and Communications Committee. This work ties in well with the CFA's program theme for 2006—"Canned Food: The Nation's Nutrition."

PBH is chair of the National 5 A Day Partnership, consisting of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry working in collaboration to expand 5 A Day efforts to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables for improved public health. The 5 A Day for Better Health program is the nation's largest public-private nutrition education initiative with 5 A Day coordinators in each state, territory, and the military. The organization has more than 700 members representing growers, shippers, packers, merchandisers, commodity boards, trade associations, food industry organizations, health insurers, health professionals, and retailers reaching consumers in 30,000 supermarkets nationwide. This and its over 90-member Board of Directors speaks to the industry's confidence in PBH's efforts to increase fruit and vegetable consumption.

As a result of the CFA's participation on the Board, PBH is now providing more emphasis on all forms of fruits and vegetables, including canned. This influence is evident in the new brand identity announced at the PBH Board of Trustees Meeting on March 30 - April 1: Fruit and Veggies: More Matters. This theme will replace PBH's 5 A Day campaign, which will be phased out over the next year. While the 5 A Day name will disappear completely in 2007, the partnership to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables will be stronger than ever. For more information, contact Rich Tavoletti.

The Capitol Line

Congress Introduces Several Trade Bills

In late March, House Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Ben Cardin (D-MD) unveiled his highly anticipated trade bill, "The Restoring America's Competitiveness Act of 2006" (TRACA or H.R. 5043). This legislation aims to level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers, farmers and workers by addressing foreign exchange-rate manipulation, and reforming anti-dumping and countervailing duty laws to promote fair trade. AISI's President and CEO Andy Sharkey, along with several other industry and union representatives, joined Congressmen Cardin and Sander Levin (D-MI) to roll-out this meaningful legislation during a Capitol Hill press conference.

Earlier in the month, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Ranking Member, Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), introduced "The U.S. Trade Enhancement Act of 2006" (S. 2467). This bill also attempts to resolve the currency and trade enforcement issues the U.S. currently faces with several of its largest trading partners; although it does so in less stringent manner than TRACA. In addition, Sen. Baucus and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) sponsored the Trade Competitiveness Act of 2006 (S. 2317), which seeks to amend the Trade Act of 1974, and requires the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to better identify its enforcement priorities when dealing with foreign trading partners. A provision in this bill also calls for the creation of a Chief Trade Enforcement Officer position within USTR.

Update: "Deep Water" Energy Development Legislation

Bipartisan efforts are underway in Congress to pass legislation that will increase the domestic natural gas and oil supply by removing Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) drilling moratoriums, thereby increasing development of the nation's "deep water" energy reserves.

In the House, Rep. Bobby Jindal's (D-LA) bill, "The "Domestic Energy Production through Offshore Exploration and Equitable Treatment of State Holdings Act of 2006" (H.R. 4761), is gaining the most momentum. While in the Senate, Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Sen. Jeff Bingaman's (D-NM) legislation requiring the Secretary of the Interior to offer the 181 Area of the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas leasing (S. 2253), is receiving the broadest support.

The Institute continues to encourage grassroots advocacy on this issue by associate and member companies. For those parties interested in getting involved, please consider sending a letter to your elected officials by simply logging on to AISI's "Legislative Action Center" (available at www.steel.org) and clicking on the take action button.

AISI Hosts Several Events on Capitol Hill

This past month, AISI and its member companies hosted several events on Capitol Hill, including an unofficial "Welcome Back" reception for both House and Senate Steel Caucus delegations. This event was held at local hangout "Top of the Hill," and provided an excellent opportunity for AISI and member company representatives to interact with Congressional staffers in an informal setting. In addition, the reception allowed AISI to once again thank all those offices that continue to support and advocate on behalf of the domestic steel industry.

Following the "Welcome Back" reception, AISI organized an official Congressional Steel Caucus briefing in the Rayburn House Office Building to highlight the work of the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP). More than 25 staffers attended the event, which featured a presentation on UltraLight steel auto body projects (ULSAB), as well as the need for continued federal funding to promote research and development in new advanced high strength steels (AHSS). Speaking on behalf of the industry was Ron Krupitzer, AISI's vice president for Automotive Applications, Roger Heimbuch, executive director, A/SP and Jody Shaw, U.S. Steel Corporation's manager of Automotive Marketing. Andy Sharkey, AISI's president and CEO, and Larry Kavanagh, vice president of Manufacturing and Technology, also participated in the briefing.

Upcoming events: AISI is currently coordinating a Congressional Steel Caucus briefing for late April that will highlight the North American steel industry's progress in improving environmental performance. Panelists for this event will include representatives from AISI, member companies, the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) and the environmental advocacy organization, EarthVoice. For more information on this event, please visit www.steel.org, or contact Katie Gallagher or Matt Davison.

AREA	AISI	STAFF PHONE	E-MAIL
Trade & Economic Policy	Barry Solarz	202.452.7139	bsolarz@steel.org
Energy & Environment	Jim Schultz	202.452.7180	jschultz@steel.org
Recycling & Market Development	Chip Foley	202.452.7177	wjfoley@worldnet.att.net
Government Relations	Jennifer Diggins Matthew Davison	202.452.7214 202.452.7133	jdiggins@steel.org mdavison@steel.org

More Stories

Policy and Planning Committee Addresses AISI Initiatives

AISI's Policy and Planning Committee met on March 23, 2006 in Monterrey, Mexico, an opportunity to discuss key issues that AISI member companies are facing. Strategic issues included a constructive discussion on the current Doha Round strategy, which is to encourage the U.S. government to go more on the offensive in defending and maintaining America's trade laws, recognizing that if U.S. trade laws are weakened as a result of this Round, Asian competitors will be the winners.

The industry's Gulf Coast Steel Initiative, designed to help build back better the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Region is underway. See the related story, "Gulf Coast Steel Initiative Lays Foundation—Challenges, But Optimism Lie Ahead." Regarding proposed launch of a communications campaign targeting policymakers, there was consensus that the Capitol Campaign would complement the industry's lobbying efforts in Washington and would serve the industry's long-term communications objectives. Among key messages: (1) we have a great product that serves America well, and (2) we have incredible people who are making the industry stronger than ever before.

Hosted by AISI's Mexican members, the meeting featured a dinner at which Humberto Jasso, Director General For Heavy And High-Tech Industries, Ministry of Economy of Mexico, spoke about the astounding impact of China's rapidly expanding steel industry on the global marketplace. For more information, contact Katie Gallagher.

Steel Recycling Institute Provides Leadership in Promoting State Cleanup Efforts

As president of the Steel Recycling Institute, Bill Heenan has consistently taught the benefits of steel recycling to state and federal legislators, environmental organizations, national media outlets, and countless other groups. But his teaching took on a new tone recently as he talked to third-graders about why they should recycle steel products.

Bill spoke with the next generation of recyclers in his role as co-chair of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, along with Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Katie McGinty. Their announcement at the Thomas W. Holtzman Elementary School in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County on February 9th kicked off the Great Pennsylvania Cleanup, which is part of the national Great American Cleanup sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

Last year's Great Pennsylvania Cleanup involved 140,000 volunteers cleaning up more than 11,000 miles of roadways, 12,000 acres of parkland and 3,500 miles of streams. Nationwide, more than 2.4 million Americans participated in this effort.

"Our industry's involvement with both Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful continues to pay dividends in reaching businesspeople and consumers nationwide with the steel recycling story," Heenan said . "Our involvement is not just the right thing to do, but it's the smart thing to do as we tell Americans of all ages that their steel products are totally recyclable and that they have a responsibility to future generations to recycle these products." Heenan said that Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is supported and sponsored by a wide range of businesses, trade organizations, civic and environmental groups, and state and local government agencies.

The Great American Cleanup runs from March 1 to May 31, 2006. For information on how to get involved, visit www.kab.org.

Steel Remains Dominant Material in the Stressful Environment of High-Performance Engines

Based on Ward's Auto World's list of the Ten Best Engines for 2005, AISI compiled a report noting that automakers today combine advanced material and process technology and materials to make light, more powerful, compact engines. While the traditional approach has been the implementation of unique block design and manufacture, the reduction in size and volume has led to more steel use in the reciprocating components. Steel usage has become a necessity rather than a trend.

Of the ten best engines for 2005, five are repeat winners from 2004. A review of recent specifications of the five repeat engines shows that there are no significant developmental changes. Consequently, the study, which was conducted by automotive design engineering consultant Alan Hine, concentrates on the new entries.

The 10 best engines for 2004 selected by Ward's Autoworld:

1. Audi AG 4.2L DOHC V-8 (S4)
2. Nissan 3.5L DOHC VG (Infinity G35 Coupe)
3. Mazda 1.3L Renesis Rotary (RX-8)
4. DaimlerChrysler 5.7L Hemi OHV V8 (300C)
5. Chevrolet 4.2L DOHC Vortec I-6 (Trailblazer)
6. Audi FSI 3.2L DOHC V6 (A6)
7. Mercedes 3.2L DOHC I-6 CDI Turbodiesel E320 (CDI)
8. Honda 3.0L SOHC V6IMA Hybrid (Accord Hybrid)
9. Honda 3.5L SOHC V6 (Acura RL)
10. Ford 4.6L SOHC V8 (Mustang GT)

The engines outlined in this report reflect the auto industry's drive to achieve lighter and more efficient power plants. The increase in torque and horsepower is evident, as is the drive by the manufacturers to provide a more powerful, yet more fuel-efficient engine.

More efficient use of forged crankshafts and connecting rods will provide the mass reductions in the future. Lighter steel flywheels will also help lowering the rotational masses. These efficiencies will allow the engine to rev faster and provide more fuel efficient power plants with more power.

To achieve a lighter and more powerful, fuel-efficient engine, the choice of steel components would be wise choice. Dr. Hine's report is available at the steel industry web site, www.autosteel.org. For more information, contact Deanna Lorincz.

AISI Steel Bridge Task Force Names Dean Krouse as Richard S. Fountain Award Winner

AISI's Steel Bridge Task Force and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Technical Committee for Structural Steel Design have named Dean C. Krouse as winner of the 2006 Richard S. Fountain Award. The award was presented by Alex Wilson, manager of Customer Technical Services for Mittal Steel USA and chairman of AISI's Steel Bridge Task Force; and by Ed Wasserman, director of Structures for the Tennessee Department of Transportation and chairman of the AASHTO-T14 Committee.

The Richard S. Fountain Award is presented annually to a member of the AISI Steel Bridge Task Force and AASHTO Technical Committee for Structural Design to recognize leadership in steel bridge research and outstanding efforts to advance AASHTO specifications through the Steel Bridge Task Force. Krouse was recognized for his: "contributions to the steel bridge industry by guiding and maintaining the ASTM & AASHTO steel material specifications, including the introduction of HPS (high-performance steel) grades; involvement from the beginning in the development of the HPS steels; and extensive metallurgical support for both plates and shapes used in bridge construction." Richard S. Fountain is the founder of the Steel Bridge Task Force.

Krouse is an independent consulting metallurgical engineer. He retired from Bethlehem Steel Corporation in 1999 after 35 years of service. Since his retirement, Krouse has contributed his expertise on a number of projects, most notably with regard to structural shape products. His endeavors include metallurgical consulting, litigation, and technical committee participation in the steel-producing and construction industries.

Krouse is a member of several AISI committees, including the Technical Committee on Plates and Shapes, the Steel Bridge Task Force, and the High-Performance Steel Steering Group and Steel Advisory Group. He is on several American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) technical committees.

Past recipients of the Richard S. Fountain Award include:

• Dennis R. Mertz, Associate Professor, University of Delaware (2005)
• Camille Rubeiz, former Director of Transportation and Infrastructure at AISI (2003)
• Professor Karl Frank, University of Texas at Austin (2002), and
• Mike Grubb, BSDI Ltd (2001).

AISI Made Exclusive Sponsor of Automotive Reports Via Podcasting

The Automotive Applications Committee (AAC) of AISI is now the exclusive sponsor of the WWJ NewsRadio 950 Worldwide Automotive Reports available for downloading and playing on computers, personal iPods or MP3 players. The programming, featuring WWJ NewsRadio's Jeff Gilbert, contains highlights and interviews with top automotive executives, analysts and newmakers.

"We see the potential of reaching the automotive designers and engineers, our primary customers, with this new twist in the digital revolution. The very popular iPod and MP3 players are ubiquitous," commented Ron Krupitzer, vice president, Automotive Applications, AISI. "Imagine listening to your favorite automotive report when you want, where you want, according to your schedule."

Each podcast is a radio show that consists of a series of individual episodes that you can listen to on your PC, using your MP3 player, or with a web browser. You can listen to each show one at a time (using a web browser) or subscribe to the entire podcast series using software on your PC. When a listener subscribes to a podcast, all new shows are automatically downloaded to a computer as they are published. If a listener has an MP3 player, the next time they sync their device, the podcasts will be downloaded for listening on the go.


Visit WWJ NewsRadio 950 at www.wwj.com/pages/6882.php to download the free podcasts and podcast software, and visit the AISI website at www.autosteel.org, to learn more about the technological advances steel is making in the automotive industry. For more information, contact Deanna Lorincz.

Steel Axial Crash Testing Study Authors Win AISI/SAE 2005 Sydney H. Melbourne Award

The Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE) announced Todd Link and Jeff Grimm, employees at the U. S. Steel Research and Technology Center in Monroeville, Pa., as the recipients of the 2005 SAE International/AISI Sydney H. Melbourne Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Automotive Sheet Steel.

Link and Grimm received the award for co-authoring a paper presented at the 2005 SAE World Congress titled, "Axial Crash Testing of Advanced High Strength Steel Tubes (SAE paper No. 2005-01-0836).

The authors, using a drop tower test and a cylindrical tube specimen, evaluated the axial crash performance of five conventional steels and seven advanced high-strength steels. Both dual phase and transformation-induced plasticity steels with tensile strengths of 600 MPa and 800 MPa were tested, as were the effects of tensile strength and sheet thickness on crash performance.

The results show that substituting higher strength steels of the same thickness can reduce crash deformation, or existing crashworthiness can be maintained and weight reduction achieved by substituting higher strength steels with reduced thickness.

Ronald Krupitzer, vice president, Automotive Applications, AISI, noted, "Through this lab experiment on crash testing, the steel industry is able to demonstrate that steel can absorb enormous energy in simulated crash and still contribute to mass reduction."

Don Pether, president and CEO of Dofasco Inc, augmented Krupitzer's remarks. "Sydney Melbourne promoted the advancement of steel applications through improvement in automobile production with steel. This award encourages engineers in our industry to reach beyond current standards to achieve steel technological advancements that benefit the automotive industry, the steel industry and the consumer. The research of Todd Link and Jeff Grimm is a timely contributor to our knowledge base as the demand for automotive safety increases," Pether said.

The authors will be honored at 5:00 p.m. during the SAE Awards Ceremony at the Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan.

Todd Link is a senior research engineer with U. S. Steel, since 1998, focusing on automotive product applications. In 2002, he received the Sydney H. Melbourne Award and the AISI Medal for his papers on fatigue performance, crash behavior, and formability of advanced high-strength steels. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Pennsylvania State University.

Jeff Grimm is a senior technician with U. S. Steel, since 2002 and focuses on product technology in sheet products including static testing, dynamic testing, and fracture mechanics. He holds two associate degrees in metrology and electrical engineering technology from Butler County Community.

SAE is a nonprofit engineering and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of mobility technology to better serve humanity. Nearly 84,000 engineers and scientists who are SAE members develop technical information on all forms of self-propelled vehicles, including automobiles, aircrafts, aerospace crafts, trucks, buses, marine, rail and transit machinery. This information is disseminated through SAE meetings, books, electronic products and databases, technical papers, standards, reports and professional development programs.

AISI established this award through the SAE Foundation to honor the memory and accomplishments of the late Sydney H. Melbourne. Melbourne, who was director of market development and product applications with Dofasco Inc., was actively involved in enhancing relationships between the steel and automotive industries and participated in the formation of the Auto/Steel Partnership.

During his distinguished career, Melbourne served as director of DNN Galvanizing Corporation, chairman of the board at Forming Technologies, Inc., and as a past president of the Metallurgical Society of the Canadian Institute of Mining. He was a member of the Zinc Aluminum Coaters Association and the International Iron and Steel Institute.

Melbourne also actively participated on numerous committees within the AISI Automotive Applications Committee, the Auto/Steel Partnership and the UltraLight Steel Auto Body project.

Exclusive Distributor of AISI Data Announces a One-Month Trial for AISI Members and Subscribers

SteelFacts, an on-line database of steel industry statistical information and the exclusive distributor of AISI data, is offering a one-month trial for interested industry participants. The trial will allow you to see the benefits of using SteelFacts, which is becoming the analysis platform of choice for steel industry data.

SteelFacts includes AISI statistical data, as well as data from the U.S. Commerce Department, and enables users to tailor the data to meet their specific requirements. For example, SteelFacts provides the user with the ability to track a specific product including the rate of market growth, consumption, amount imported, and where it's coming from. It permits subscribers to view and track domestic shipments and trade data by product, grade, HST code, etc. and to provide reports and notifications based on user-defined conditions. While subscribers can continue to receive AISI data as they have in the past, the SteelFacts platform enhances the value of that data.

Contact Kurt Fowler, Managing Director - SteelFacts via e-mail kurtf@steelfacts.com or phone (412) 860.5342 to find out more details. Visit www.steelfacts.com for more information.

FeMET Initiative Accepting Proposals for Design Grant Program

AISI and the Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST) Foundation are calling for proposals from North American universities under FeMET's Design Grant Program, seeking innovative designs and solutions to an industry-related theme. This is the second year of promoting interest in the steel industry to students studying metallurgy and materials science under the banner of their "Ferrous Metallurgy Education Today," or FeMET Initiative.

AISI and AIST Foundation together launched the FeMET Initiative to encourage more students to choose metallurgy or materials science as their field of study, to recruit more of such graduates into the steel industry and to increase the number of professors knowledgeable in steel in North American universities.

The Design Grant program will direct a team of students and professors to address an important industry issue or "challenge" by working collaboratively. Proposals must include the team's approach/methodology, including a budget and schedule requirements. Proposals will be judged based on the following criteria: technical approach and relation to the theme, probability of success and its potential benefits and team qualifications, and may be awarded up to a $50,000 grant for their project.

The theme for 2006 is "Comparative Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Assessments of Steel Products." This involves quantifying the energy requirements and greenhouse gas emissions from raw material extraction, through end of life including steelmaking, the use phase and the recycling phase and then comparing the results for steel to those of another material in the same market.

"Last year's submissions to the Design Grant Program was excellent," Andrew G. Sharkey, III, AISI president and CEO said, "and this year we hope for even greater response from North American universities."

According to Ron Ashburn, AIST Foundation executive director, "This year's theme will provide a comparative life cycle analysis to benchmark steel against wood, plastic and other consumer materials. This information will help us better understand what is required to build a sustainable steel industry from an environmental perspective."

Applicants are directed to visit either www.steel.org, or www.aist.org for a complete set of application instructions. Completed proposals must be submitted electronically in pdf form by 5 p.m. EDT on May 2, 2006.

Nutrition Research is Foundation of 2006 Canned Food Alliance Program

Nutrition research has always played a key role in the Canned Food Alliance's (CFA) efforts to educate consumers and food influencers on the nutritional benefits of canned foods. Over the years, research results from the University of Illinois and University of Massachusetts have provided the foundation for the CFA's messages to consumers via the media.

In 2006, nutrition research will play a greater role. Last year, the CFA began working with the University of California-Davis to conduct a Secondary Literature Review. This is the first time that bodies of research regarding canned food have been collected in one place.

A draft of the findings has been received, which include:

• By the time food is consumed, fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are likely to be nutritionally similar.
• The sodium content of canned vegetables is similar to cooked fresh and frozen when salt is added before eating.
• Storage and cooking of fresh food can lead to overall nutrient losses of more than 60 percent before consumption. In contrast, canned food locks in the nutrients.

After the U.C.-Davis research is peer-reviewed and published, the CFA will communicate its results to key influencers and consumers via magazines, newspapers, television, radio and the Internet.

The CFA is also working with Rutgers University to develop research that explores major nutritional factors (stresses) influencing health. These factors include:

• Food choices, nutritional needs and concerns (including both traditional nutrients and phytonutrients)
• Taste preferences
• Lifestyle choices that affect nutrient intake, and
• Food shopping and preparation resources (time, skills, and cost).

The findings from this research will be shared with nutrition professionals, who will provide recommendations on how families with small children can cope with stresses influencing meal preparation.

A behavioral study will then be conducted to assess key nutrition stresses and pantry contents for individual families. This data will provide a set of stress profiles and coping methods (which will include restocked pantries) for families to manage stress and eat healthier.

This approach represents a change in the way the CFA has been represented over the years. In the past, the CFA used celebrity chefs such as Tyler Florence and Jacques Pepin to reach the media with canned food messages. This year, the CFA will utilize respected researchers and dieticians to work with the media on the CFA's behalf.

Along with its increased involvement with key government organizations, the Canned Food Alliance is refocusing its outreach to consumers and food professionals. For more information, contact Rich Tavoletti.

On Manufacturing Technology Front

Committee Activities and Updates

On March 3, two representatives from the MC on Packaging, Shipping and Transportation Methods, along with Andy Sharkey, president and CEO of AISI, and other AISI staff met with Edward Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and AAR staff to discuss organizational and specific rail issues pertinent to this committee.

AISI's Steelmark Gains Extensive Coverage

The Pittsburgh Steelers' win over Seattle for the Super Bowl title was not only big for the Steel City itself, but for AISI, whose Steelmark (four-pointed starlike figures within a circle), appears on the helmets of the team. "The Story Behind The Pittsburgh Steelers Logo," which AISI released to the media weeks prior to the Bowl, received extensive coverage, making it into Associated Press, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Northwest Times of Indiana, The Fabricator, Detroit Free Press and The Business Journal, and included coverage on Washington's W-TOP Radio, among others. We also learned that the story ran in Mental Floss—"a delightfully eccentric and eclectic new magazine devoted to educating Americans about all the stuff they should have learned in school but didn't," according to The Washington Post (Peter Carlson). We are glad the word is spreading.

The AISI also heard from Pittsburgh native, Barbara Sexton, who wrote in about how the idea to use AISI's Steelmark as the logo of the Pittsburgh Steelers originated in their hometown. Her late husband, Robert Sexton, was a young Republic Steel employee who worked in the Pittsburgh office of the Cleveland-based company and came up with the idea of placing the steelmark on the Steeler's helmet, she wrote us. That was back in 1962—and now, 44 years later, the strength of steel and its mark is still resonating with Steelers' fans all over the world. For more information, contact Elizabeth Vago.