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AISI 2006 General Meeting Focuses on Future of Steel Industry Competitiveness

Click here to see the photos of the General Meeting.

On May 7-9, AISI held its 114th General Meeting in Boca Raton, Fla. in conjunction with the Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI). The meeting provided the opportunity for steel producers and service centers to strengthen relationships, share ideas and work together to improve the competitiveness of North American manufacturing. Its theme, "Focus on Competition," was carried throughout discussions of what opportunities the future holds for North American manufacturers and how we can work together to improve the competitiveness of our industry.

Robin Niblett, Center for Strategic and International Studies, kicked things off at the first joint session with a provocative look at the driving forces of change in their "Seven Revolutions Initiative." Next, Steven Anderson, Credit Suisse, moderated North American steel industry CEOs in a lively discussion on the Shape of the Global Steel Industry: 2010. Dan DiMicco, Nucor Corporation, Michael Hoffman, Macsteel Service Centers USA, Bill Jones, O'Neal Steel, Lou Schorsch, Mittal Steel USA, Bud Siegel, Russel Metals Inc., John Surma, U.S. Steel Corporation, and Dave Sutherland, IPSCO Inc., discussed major trends shaping the future of the global steel industry and how producers and service centers can work together with their customers on manufacturing competitiveness issues in North America.

Attendees gathered for lunch to hear Charlie Cook, political analyst for The National Journal and editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report, deliver timely remarks on a Political Update 2006 and Beyond.

AISI Chairman Lou Schorsch, president and CEO of Mittal Steel USA, spoke to attendees on Tuesday morning before the awards ceremony, on the meeting's theme, "Focus on Competition." He commented on AISI's continuing mission to keep steel competitive and the material of choice, as well as keeping steel trade fair and free.

Following his remarks, Schorsch recognized several individuals for their outstanding leadership. John Surma, chairman and CEO, United States Steel Corporation, received the distinguished Gary Memorial Medal, awarded by the Institute for his remarkable lifelong contributions to the North American steel industry (see related article in this issue).

The Market Development Industry Leadership Award was given out for the first time to Paul Geck, senior staff technical specialist at Ford Motor Company; and to Theodorus "Dick" Bus, president of ATAS International Inc., for their significant contributions in advancing the competitive use of steel in the marketplace as a direct result of AISI Market Development initiatives in the automotive, construction and container markets (see related article in this issue).

The Institute Medal was awarded to United States Steel Corporation's Mark Atkinson and Hugh Crosun, as well as Purdue University Calumet's David Roldan and Chenn Zhou for their paper "Investigation of Tuyere Nose Failures At U.S. Steel Great Lakes Works B2 Blast Furnace." Guy Ausmus of Mittal Steel USA was recognized for his role as Chairman of the Energy Committee, as was Glenn Kidd of United States Steel Corporation for his role as Chairman of the Commercial Research Committee. Several additional retiring chairmen were unable to attend, including: Andrew Black, The Timken Company, Manufacturing Committee on Rod and Bar Mills; Tom Elich, United States Steel Corporation-Gary Works, Manufacturing Committee on Metallic Coated Sheet Practices; Raymond Fryan, The Timken Company, Committee on Manufacturing Technology; Javier Hernandez Ceron, APM, S.A. de C.V. (IMSA ACERO), Manufacturing Committee on Hot Strip Mills; Dan Kruse, Mittal Steel USA, Manufacturing Committee on Metallurgy, Steelmaking and Casting; Frederick Maddalena, United States Steel Corporation-Clairton Works, Manufacturing Committee on Coke Ovens and By Products Subcommittee; Dean Macnamara, Dofasco Inc., Manufacturing Committee on Ironmaking; Nagoor "Nick" Prabhu, Mittal Steel USA, Manufacturing Committee on Refractories; David Otte, IPSCO Inc., Manufacturing Committee on Packaging, Shipping and Transportation Methods; Julie Renner, USS-POSCO Industries, Steel Packaging Council; and Donald Stanich, United States Steel Corporation-Gary Works, Manufacturing Committee on Strand Casting.

Following Schorsch's speech, attendees heard from Outlook for Energy panelists, including Jim Falsettti, president, Process Energy Solutions, Paul Holtberg, director, Demand and Integration, Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy, and Scott Peterson, vice president of communications, Nuclear Energy Institute. Moderated by Guy Ausmus, manager of Energy Procurement, Mittal Steel USA, the session offered panelists' perspectives on critical energy issues for steel industry and domestic manufacturers.

The meeting concluded with featured speaker Tony Blankley, editorial page editor, The Washington Times, who delivered remarks based on his newly-released book The West's Last Chance: Will We Win the Clash of Civilizations?

AISI Associate Members hosted a memorable reception in the Cloister Garden of the Boca Raton Resort & Club. It provided members the opportunity to enjoy good food and company in a lovely atmosphere near the intercoastal waterway. For more information, contact Katie Gallagher.

AISI Announces Launch of Campaign to Educate Policymakers about the New Face of America's Steel Industry

At its recent AISI General Meeting in Boca Raton, Fla., AISI announced plans to launch an advocacy campaign designed to inform and educate Washington policymakers about the New steel industry's advanced technologies, environmental achievements and economic impact—all reasons this industry is one of America's strategic assets.

"The North American steel sector is a globally-competitive industry that has undergone a dynamic transformation in recent years," AISI Chairman Louis L. Schorsch, president and CEO, Mittal Steel USA, said. "Research shows us that there is general awareness on Capitol Hill and among opinion leaders of the steel industry's importance to our nation's economic and national security, but there is a gap in terms of the significance of that impact, and there remains limited knowledge of the advanced technologies and reduced environmental footprint that characterize today's globally-competitive industry." He referenced a 2005 Congressional Omnibus survey conducted on behalf of AISI by Harris Interactive, AISI's research firm of record.

Schorsch said AISI is committed to taking that story to Members of Congress and officials throughout government, both in the federal agencies and the White House, to emphasize "that this is a vital industry, the backbone of American manufacturing and one that is vital to our nation's military. We want policymakers to recognize that having a strong domestic steel industry is important to jobs and to the economy. They need to recognize that U.S. steel industry productivity has more than tripled since the early 1980s, generating each year more than $350 billion in direct and indirect economic output," he said.

"We also have a remarkable environmental story to tell," Schorsch said, "that is not yet widely known. For example, most people aren't aware that steel is by far the most recycled material in North America," he noted, "or that over the past decade, American steelmakers have reduced the energy required to produce one ton of steel by 28 percent, hand-in-hand with reducing emissions to levels well below Kyoto standards. We plan to more aggressively get these facts before lawmakers and regulators so that they can develop sound public policy based on a thorough understanding of America's steel sector."

Schorsch said that along with Harris Interactive, AISI's other partner for the campaign is Blue Worldwide, the advertising subsidiary of Edelman. It is envisioned as a multi-year campaign, Schorsch said. For more information, contact Katie Gallagher.

U.S. Steel's John Surma Awarded 2006 Gary Memorial Medal at AISI General Meeting

AISI recently announced that John Surma is the 2006 recipient of the Gary Memorial Medal. Surma, former AISI chairman, and chairman and CEO of United States Steel Corporation, was honored at the AISI General Meeting in Boca Raton, Fla. held May 7-9, 2006.

In presenting the award, AISI Chairman and President and CEO of Mittal Steel USA Lou Schorsch commented that he was impressed with Surma's leadership on many fronts, including his role in helping to reposition the image of the North American steel industry and his ability to lead in a collaborative manner that achieves greater impact for the industry.

"John's leadership was tireless in speaking out to policymakers on the critical need to strictly enforce our trade laws and address foreign government steel subsidies that are detrimental to the ability for free and fair trade to flourish," AISI president and CEO Andrew G. Sharkey, III said.

The medal's inscription reads: "In recognition of his outstanding leadership and achievement in a vibrant, global steel industry; Of his tireless efforts to improve investor, media and governmental understanding of the new North American steel industry; Of his commitment to fair trade, attracting new talent to the industry and building a strong, effective AISI."

Established in 1927, the Gary Medal is named for Judge Elbert H. Gary, the first president of AISI. The medal recognizes an individual for his or her remarkable lifelong contributions to the North American steel industry. For more information, contact Elizabeth Vago.

Steel Industry Reaches New Milestone in Energy Efficiency—Once Again

AISI reported in April that for the second consecutive year, the United States steel industry has achieved a new milestone in energy efficiency by reducing its energy intensity per ton of steel shipped by approximately 13.2 percent since 2002 (based on latest available data compiled through 2004), thus expanding its reduction in energy intensity to 28 percent since 1990.

Because of the close relationship between energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, the industry's aggregate carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per ton of steel shipped were reduced by 17 percent. Compared to the Kyoto Protocol's call for an average 7 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 1990 and 2012, this means the American steel industry has already surpassed the Kyoto target by more than 240 percent.

"This improvement in energy efficiency is evidence of the steel industry's longstanding commitment to sustainability," Steve Rowlan, chairman, AISI Committee on Environment, general manager, environmental affairs, Nucor Corporation, said. "As part of our industry's Climate VISION agreement with the Department of Energy, we set a goal to improve energy intensity per ton of steel shipped by 10 percent by 2012 compared to the 2002 baseline. The 2004 data show we have surpassed that target and are breaking new ground in terms of our performance."

The American steel industry has been a leader in reducing energy intensity in the steel manufacturing process and correspondingly reducing greenhouse gas emissions through recycling and through a combination of restructuring, technological advancements and product and process improvements. Also contributing to increased energy efficiency have been greater capacity utilization levels, as well as a higher percentage of total steel production by electric arc furnace steelmakers (EAF).

"Exemplifying our commitment to a sustainable future is the fact that since 1975, the industry has invested over $60 billion in new technologies to improve energy efficiency and productivity," Rowlan noted. "The steel industry has also played a leading role in the EPA Sector Strategies Initiative, which complements our continuous environmental improvement efforts. We are willing, in this regard, to be transparent on our efforts, failures and accomplishments. The EPA Performance Report provides a publicly-available report card on our ongoing efforts."

Rowlan also highlighted the steel industry's involvement in the Asia Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate. America's steel industry is one of only eight sectors working with China, India, South Korea, Japan and Australia to improve the environment through this collaborative commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, contact Katie Gallagher.

Steel Records Highest Recycling Rate Ever in U.S.

The Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) recently announced the recycling rate for the world's and America's most recycled material—steel—increased to 75.7 percent in the United States in 2005. This reflects a five-percentage point increase in the recycling rate and the highest rate ever recorded in the United States. 76 million tons of domestic steel scrap was charged into furnaces, both in the United States and abroad, to make new steel products to be used by the steel industry's customers in satisfying consumers' needs.

"2005 continues the four-year expansion of steel recycling to new historic levels in the United States and the 75.7% rate established a new record for steel recycling," Bill Heenan, president of SRI said. "It is important to point out that the number one raw material consumed by the steel industry is steel scrap."

Recyclers across North America continue to experience increased revenue from their programs that collect steel, whether it is steel cans, appliances, construction and demolition ferrous debris, or America's most recycled product, the automobile. Steel, America's most recycled material, is the engine that drives these products out of the waste stream and into the recycling stream, resulting in numerous benefits, both environmental and financial.

"As more and more industries are striving for sustainable development and consumers read about companies striving for sustainable development, it is important to point out that there is no better way to protect future generations' ability to meet their needs than though recycling today," Heenan said. "Sustainable development is achievable by the consumer when he or she becomes actively involved in recycling. Through curbside and drop-off recycling programs, consumers can make a difference by making sure that their steel cans and other recyclables end up in their recycling program rather than in a refuge truck on the way to a landfill." For more information, contact Jim Woods.

AISI Member Companies Promote Homebuilding Benefits to Rebuild Gulf Coast with Steel

During the AISI 2006 General Meeting, the Gulf Coast Steel Initiative (GCSI) announced its continuing efforts to promote innovation in housing technology and to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of homes in rebuilding the Gulf Coast. GCSI is a group of North American steel companies focusing on implementing long-term strategies to positively impact future construction practices in the region.

"It is inevitable that homes built along the Gulf Coast will again have to endure more high wind and high water and there is intense pressure to get construction underway before the next hurricane season. In the debate over where to rebuild, considerable attention needs to be placed on how to rebuild," Andrew G. Sharkey, III, president and CEO of AISI said.

The hot, humid climate of the Gulf Coast posed significant challenges to the durability of residential and commercial structures even prior to Katrina's landfall. Through GCSI, the industry aims to provide steel-intensive solutions for rebuilding and fortifying the region against future storms.

"The rebuilding effort is a monumental undertaking since an estimated 350,000 houses need to be replaced in a region that once built only 30,000 houses a year. To meet this unprecedented demand, new technologies need to be employed that will provide builders with the economies of scale to produce the volume of houses that are needed at a price that residents can afford," David C. Jeanes, AISI senior vice president of market development said.

Benefits of using steel for homebuilding include:

High Performance Construction - Steel framing and metal roofing can be designed and engineered specifically to hold up under extreme conditions such as flooding, earthquake, high wind or fire - that can cause degradation or destruction of the structural system. Steel is flexible; making it more resilient compared to other brittle materials when exposed to earthquakes and high-wind conditions, and has inherent strength in uplift and gravity loading. Steel-framed structures are also non-combustible, and framing members and roofing do not burn or contribute to the spread or intensity of a fire.

Steel is an inherently stable, engineered material with consistent properties and attributes and therefore behaves in a highly predictable manner when subjected to the structural loads and stresses imposed by events such as high winds. Steel framing and metal roofing can be designed to withstand wind speeds of 150 miles per hour. Metal roofing systems are available that have wind resistance and uplift resistance above the new building code requirement.

Durable - Steel framing is naturally dimensionally straight and connected mechanically, creating a stronger, more resilient building. It is also naturally protected against deterioration by a galvanized coating of zinc. In a seven-year study titled Galvanized Steel Framing for Residential Buildings sponsored by the International Lead Zinc Research Organization (ILZRO) and conducted by the NAHB Research Center, corrosion test samples were installed and monitored in the exterior walls and vented crawl and attic spaces of four houses located in different geographic locations (inland, marine,
and industrial). In this study, the life expectancy of the coating was determined to be 377 years.

In addition, termite damage in the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan Area costs more than $600 million per year.¹ Steel framing can help mitigate the occurrence and growth of mold in buildings, as steel does not provide a food source for the fungi that cause mold and mildew growth in residential construction.

Cost Effective - There is a general perception that using steel for homebuilding is more expensive than using wood. Recent research conducted by a field evaluation team of the Steel Framing Alliance (SFA) has found that the cost of building a home using steel versus wood is 1-3 percent of the total cost of construction. Ongoing cost reduction technologies and practices have considerably increased the affordability of the steel framing system. Homes built with new techniques using steel makes them more marketable since buyer confidence is higher knowing issues like termites and decay are avoided and longevity of the structure is higher. In fact, experienced steel homebuilders appreciate the value, quality and efficiency of the steel-framed system.

Environmental - All steel products, including steel framing contain recycled steel. Steel framing contains on average a minimum of 25% recycled steel² and is 100 percent recyclable at end of life. In contrast to many other building materials, steel is routinely collected in aggregate quantities from construction and demolition sites and recycled into new steel products. Steel structures are also more energy efficient and do not require maintenance with chemicals for insects, mold and mildew.

The Gulf Coast Steel Initiative is a $1.1 million effort of 12 North American steel companies. The supporting companies of the Gulf Coast Steel Initiative are: AK Steel Corporation; California Steel Industries, Inc.; Dofasco Inc.; IMSA ACERO, S.A. de C.V.; IPSCO Inc.; Mittal Steel USA; Nucor Corporation; Shenango Incorporated; Steel Dynamics, Inc.; United States Steel Corporation; USS-POSCO Industries; and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation. The initiative involves partnerships with local government disaster relief efforts and will establish higher-performance construction criteria by promoting state building codes that define state-of-the-art practices for hurricane-prone areas. In the coming months, GCSI will launch a series of training and educational programs that will provide additional skilled workers to the building and roofing contractors throughout the region. For more information, contact Elizabeth Vago.

1Source - Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Research and Extension
2 Source - Steel Recycling Institute

The Capitol Line

AISI Stays Active on Congressional "Trade" Front

In May, AISI helped promote legislation introduced by Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) addressing Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) in the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Doha Round talks. This resolution (S.Res.495) seeks to lower trade barriers on manufactured goods and level the playing field for American workers and producers by creating a more fair tariff system that eliminates current disparities.

AISI President and CEO Andy Sharkey made several public comments and media statements in support of the "NAMA" resolution. AISI is currently working with Senator Bayh's office to promote this legislation and encourage support, as well as co-sponsorship from other Senate members.

Also this month, AISI reaffirmed its opposition to legislation offered by Rep. Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI) entitled the "American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act" (H.R. 4217). This bill would weaken U.S. trade law remedies and endanger domestic producers by making it easier for perennial trade law violators, such as China and Japan, to sell dumped and subsidized products in the U.S. This legislation currently has 49 co-sponsors, following Rep. Randy Kuhl's (R-NY) recent decision to withdraw his direct support for the bill.

AISI issued a "Steelgram" and met with numerous Congressional offices to emphasize the disastrous impact this bill could have on the U.S. economy, member-company steel producers and domestic manufacturing in general.

To view AISI's memorandum opposing H.R. 4217 please visit the Steelgrams section of the AISI Public Policy Web homepage.

AISI Hosts "Environmental Briefing" for Congressional Steel Caucus Staff, EPA Officials and Capitol Hill Media Outlets

In late April, AISI held a briefing on Capitol Hill to showcase the North American Steel Industry's commitment to a sustainable future. Highlights of this event included an announcement of this year's steel recycling rate - which grew to an astonishing 76%, or 450 million tons of steel; energy-intensity improvements - 28% decline in intensity per ton of steel shipped since 1990; and emissions breakthroughs - 17% reduction in aggregate C0₂ emissions per ton of steel shipped, which dwarfs the Kyoto Protocol's call for a 7% cutback by 2012.

Over 25 congressional staffers attended the briefing, along with representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several reporters from Washington-based news organizations. In addition to providing many important facts about the North American steel industry's strong environmental record, those present at the briefing were also given a "Recycling with Roscoe" steel lunch box, courtesy of the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI).

Panel participants for the event included: Jan Hartke, Executive Director of Earthvoice, Bill Heenan, President of SRI, Steve Rowlan, General Manager of Environmental Affairs for Nucor Corporation, Andy Sharkey, AISI's president and CEO and Larry Kavanagh, AISI's vice president of Manufacturing and Technology.

Update: Natural Gas Exploration Legislation

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" and clicking on the Action Alert button.

New "Beltway" Research Tool Declares AISI's Micro-Site Amongst "Top #25" Most Viewed Web Pages

The National Journal's "Policy Council," an innovative web-based research tool that provides Congressional staff and Capitol Hill reporters with timely information, updates and position papers on current policy issues, has announced its 2006 1st quarter usage report. AISI ranked #22 overall (out of 85 members) with 563 total page views for the months of January through Mid-April. The sections receiving the most visits included the Public Policy Contacts, North American steel industry Trade Priorities, and important Energy & Environment Issues.

Finishing near AISI in the rankings were the ExxonMobil Corporation (#21) and the National Restaurant Association (#23). To view the entire "Top #25" list please visit the Key Articles section of AISI's Public Policy Web pages.

AISI Meets with Senator Byrd

Weiley Rein & Fielding's Eileen Bradner (left), U.S. Steel's Scott Salmon (second from left), and AISI's Andy Sharkey (right) talk "steel" with Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV). Later this month, Senator Byrd—an ardent supporter of the North American steel industry for over 47 years—will surpass the late Senator Strom Thurmond (R-SC) to become the longest serving Senator in United States history.

Check Out AISI's Public Policy Efforts on the Web

AISI's Public Policy Homepage

AISI's Legislative Action Center

National Journal's Policy Council - AISI Micro-Site Homepage

For more information on these Web sites, please contact 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

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AISI Introduces Market Development Industry Leadership Award—Paul Geck and Dick Bus Named as First Recipients

AISI instituted its new Market Development Industry Leadership Award at the General Meeting. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions in advancing the competitive use of steel in the marketplace as a direct result of AISI Market Development initiatives in the automotive, construction and container markets.

"The individuals recognized with the Market Development Industry Leadership Award have demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership in implementing the objectives of AISI Market Development programs in the marketplace and within their companies," said David C. Jeanes, AISI senior vice president of market development. "We have long recognized and credited the critical role that customer partnerships play in the success of our programs. Customer involvement is essential to the timely implementation of new steel products and design technologies. This new leadership award provides an opportunity to give special industry recognition to our customer partners."

And the Winners Are…..
The award was presented to two individuals: Paul Geck, senior staff technical specialist at Ford Motor Company; and to Theodorus "Dick" Bus, president of ATAS International Inc., during a ceremony held during AISI's General Meeting.

Paul Geck
From 1999 to 2003, Geck served as program manager for IMPACT (Improved Materials and Powertrain Architectures for 21st Century Trucks), a joint project between AISI, Ford and the U.S. Army to develop strategies for reduced weight, enhanced performance, improved mobility and increased fuel economy of tactical trucks. The IMPACT program resulted in over 200 technologies for optimizing automotive steel structures and demonstrated a 25% weight reduction using steel technology. It became clear through the program that advanced high-strength steels delivered the durability, weight savings and cost savings that Ford needed for its own fleet of F-series trucks. Today, Ford Motor Company uses 60% of the IMPACT technologies in all Ford vehicles.

In addition to his leadership in the IMPACT program, Geck has been instrumental in leading Ford's support of the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP), an international association of the largest North American automotive companies and major sheet steel producers that pursues research, validation and education critical to both industries.

"Paul Geck is single-handedly responsible for the new pro-steel agenda at Ford," said Ron Krupitzer, vice president of automotive applications for AISI. "His understanding of advanced high-strength
steel technologies and commitment to steel as the material of choice in automotive design have moved steel from the back of the pack in terms of design solutions to the front of the line in the automotive industry."

Theodorus (Dick) A. Bus
Dick Bus is president of ATAS International Inc., a family-owned manufacturer of architectural and residential metal roofing and siding. ATAS manufactures profiles in aluminum, steel, copper and zinc for the residential and architectural building envelope markets. Panels are manufactured with high- performance coatings. Bus has more than 30 years of experience in the metal roofing and siding industry.

Bus led a team to explore the potential for market growth in the residential roofing market. The team's efforts resulted in a comprehensive business case that became the foundation for the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), a coalition of customers, suppliers and producers committed to growing this market. The MRA is driving demand for steel roofing by educating consumers on its benefits and by connecting them with a network of reputable contractors that can install these roofs on their homes. Steel shipments in this market have grown by 450,000 tons per year since the program was launched in 1999. Bus is president emeritus of the Metal Roofing Alliance.

"Dick's untiring work in developing the business case for residential roofing that resulted in the creation of the Metal Roofing Alliance has been responsible for significant steel growth in residential roofing, especially in the re-roofing market," said Delbert F. Boring, vice president of construction market development for AISI. "His commitment to growing the residential roofing market is unparalleled and appreciated by all of us." For more information, contact Debbie Bennett.

Steel Spotlighted in "Wonders of America: Land of Superlatives" Stamp Series

One of steel's most legendary design achievements, The Gateway Arch, will be featured in the U.S. Postal Service stamp series, "Wonders of America: Land of Superlatives," beginning May 27. The steel arch is located in St. Louis, Mo. and is the tallest man-made monument in America, standing at 630-feet tall (63 stories).

The arch is a result of a nationwide competition in 1947 to display a monument that captured the spirit of western pioneers. Architect Eero Saarinen's proposal of the 630-foot stainless steel arch won the contest and his design later became the now world renowned Gateway Arch. It took two years and less than $15 million to construct the steel Arch. Completed on October 18, 1965, the strong steel structure lays 60 feet into the ground, and is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds, its strength and resilience mirroring the American spiritⁱ.

AISI partnered with the late Charles Guggenheim, a four-time Oscar winning documentary director, in the award-winning film, "Monument to the Dream," produced by Guggenheim Productions. The film documents the construction of the steel arch and is viewed by the millions of visitors to the Gateway Arch each year. The monument's symbol of strength is iconic for the steel industry, its steelworkers and America. For more information, contact Katie Gallagher.

i. Facts regarding the history and construction of The Gateway Arch are from the National Park Service.

AISI and Auto/Steel Partnership Take a Strong Steel Message to Washington

Energy, safety and environmental needs have forged partnerships between steel industry and federal, state and local government. Exploring and developing new automotive technologies for safety, affordability, fuel efficiency and the environment is priority one.

The 2006 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Government/Industry Meeting brought together automotive, supplier and governmental groups to present the latest findings and technological advancements.

AISI, along with the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP), were active participants in explaining how steel answers these challenges.

Jody Shaw, United States Steel Corporation, gave a technical presentation on behalf of AISI titled "Advanced High Strength Steel for Affordable Automotive Mass Reduction and Improved Safety" during the May 9 meeting. The attendee response drew positive feedback. It provided an excellent lead into the SAE Ride-n-Drive event where the A/SP Lightweight Front End Structure and parts back wall was prominently displayed in plain view of the 40 new technology vehicles, most of which were made of steel.

Supporting the DOE's commitment to working on the automotive/vehicle initiatives, the A/SP exhibit offered attendees the opportunity to learn more about the Partnership and the numerous projects and project results achieved. Literature available on the Lightweight Front End Structure report, Lightweight Closure Projects and Light Truck Frame Joint Stiffness Study, to name a few, drew significant interest.

AISI sponsored the SAE media center again this year, building greater visibility for AISI and our key messages.

Measurable success was achieved by the proactive participation of AISI and A/SP. The 2007 SAE Government/Industry Meeting will enable AISI and A/SP to continue to bring our messages to this audience of customers and regulators. For more information, contact Deanna Lorincz.

AISI and AIST Foundation Launch New Initiative Aimed at Steel Engineers

AISI and the Association for Iron & Steel Technology Foundation (AIST Foundation) are now accepting applications from students of engineering interested in a career in the steel industry. The Steel Engineering Education Link (STEEL) Initiative's goals are to encourage more students to choose a career in the steel industry and to increase the number of professors knowledgeable about steel in North American universities.

"These new scholarships encompassing a number of engineering disciplines will aid deserving students in broadening their knowledge of steel industry," Andrew G. Sharkey, III, AISI president and CEO said. "At least 10 more top-caliber students will win STEEL Scholarships in 2006."

Similar to AISI and AIST Foundation's FeMET Initiative, each scholarship includes $5,000 for the scholar's junior year, a paid summer internship with a North American steel company between their junior and senior years and $5,000 toward their senior year tuition.

The combination of a scholarship and summer internship is intended to provide incentive for students to become involved in the steel industry. As a result, students entering the program are ensured a two-year commitment, provided a satisfactory performance by the student both academically and in their internship.

"With the introduction of STEEL Initiative, engineering students across all disciplines will be exposed to the challenging career opportunities that exist in today's steel industry," said Ron Ashburn, Executive Director of AIST. "The program will complement our FeMET Initiative, which focuses solely on ferrous metallurgy and materials science majors."

Instructions for applying are found on the AISI and AIST Foundation websites, www.steel.org and www.aist.org, respectively. The application deadline is June 9, 2006.

Canned Food Alliance Program Wins Five Regional Public Relations Awards

Ketchum Public Relations has been recognized with five Public Relations Society of America-Pittsburgh Renaissance Awards for outstanding work on the Canned Food Alliance (CFA) Consumer Awareness Campaign. The awards were presented in the following categories:

Best Capabilities Brochure: For the CFA's signature brochure, "Canned Food: It's Nutritious, Delicious, Expeditious". This brochure is distributed to key influencers in the dietetic and culinary fields and to government officials.

Special Events: For the CFA's "A Luncheon of Global Flavors with Tyler Florence". TV celebrity Tyler Florence discussed the positive attributes of canned food with more than 20 long-lead consumer magazine editors at this event.

External Publications: For the CFA's quarterly newsletter, "Today's Table", which is distributed to key influencers.

New Media Tactic: For the "Tyler Florence Global Flavors Tour Weblog". This unique weblog allowed Tyler to communicate directly with consumers on how to use canned food in globally themed menus.

Best of Show: The "Tyler Florence Global Flavors Tour Weblog" also won this award. This entry will be submitted for the Public Relations Society of America's national Bronze Anvil Awards in June 2006.

The Canned Food Alliance is a partnership of steel producers, can manufacturers, food processors and affiliate members who are committed to educating consumers, government officials, dietitians and culinary professionals about the nutritional and convenience benefits of canned food. The Canned Food Alliance was founded by AISI's Steel Packaging Council.

Steel Packaging Council Director Rich Tavoletti said, "This outstanding recognition of the Canned Food Alliance's consumer awareness program achievements provides added credibility for our work in educating consumers and nutrition influencers on the benefits of preparing recipes with canned food. We commend our colleagues at Ketchum Public Relations for their dedication, creativity and commitment to the success of the program."

AISI Codes and Standards Staff is Recognized by Peers

Two AISI Codes and Standards staff were recently recognized by their peers for significant contributions to the industry.

Jonathan Humble, AIA, regional director of construction codes and standards, was appointed chairman of the International Building Code-General Code Development Committee. This committee is part of the International Code Council (ICC), a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention that develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings. The International Codes provide minimum safeguards for people at home, school and in the workplace. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.

Bonnie Manley, P.E., recently hired by AISI as regional director, construction codes and standards, received a special recognition award on May 18th at the SEI (Structural Engineering Institute) Plenary and Business Meeting held in conjunction with SEI's Structures Congress in St. Louis, Missouri. Bonnie was selected by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Codes and Standards Committee for her outstanding service to ASCE's standards program over the years. SEI is a community of more than 20,000 structural engineers within ASCE that serves the unique needs of the structural engineering community more effectively while serving as its voice on broader issues that shape the entire civil engineering community.

Delbert F. Boring, vice president of construction market, commented: "AISI's codes and standards work is a core function of our construction market program. Our team is recognized internationally for its expertise and contributions. While it is unusual for the ICC to appoint someone from a particular industry as chairman of a committee, it's a testament to Jonathan's achievements that he was chosen for this leadership position. Bonnie has been a solid contributor to our industry over the years, and we're very pleased that she has been selected for this award by ASCE."

Greg Crawford Named Chairman of SBIC

The Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) has elected Gregory L. Crawford to chair its 2006-2007 Executive Committee. The SBIC is a construction industry leader in advancing the design, affordability, energy performance and environmental soundness of America's buildings. Greg is vice president of operations for the Steel Recycling Institute and executive director of the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition.

His first order of business was to lead a strategic planning session that provided a new trajectory for the Council, resulting in a charge to move Beyond Green™ in the Executive Committee's efforts to shape the future purpose of the organization.

"Greg's selection as chairman of the SBIC demonstrates the confidence that the sustainable buildings community has in the steel industry's commitment to actively support environmental solutions for building construction," said Del Boring, AISI's vice president of construction market. "With increased emphasis on the importance of 'green building' in recent years, design professionals and contractors are increasingly recognizing the environmental benefits of steel products, which have enviable recycled content and are 100 percent recyclable at end of life, thus amortizing their embodied energy over future generations of new steel while also reducing construction waste to conserve landfill space."

The SBIC was recently named Green Advocate of the Year in the Group category at the 2006 National Green Building Awards Gala. The awards were presented during the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Annual National Green Building Conference in Albuquerque, N.M. The SBIC was recognized for driving significant changes in energy- and resource-efficient new home construction through its outreach, advocacy, and educational initiatives.

Timken's Faircrest Plant Moves Forward to Making Tires a Permanent Addition to Its Melts

In 2005 the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI), along with a representative of the Rubber Manufacturers Association, met with The Timken Company's environmental and operating personnel to update them on the use of scrap tires as a raw material in electric arc furnaces. The tires displace coal in the electric furnace operations. Not only are tires a source of recycled steel, containing approximately 2.7 pounds of steel per passenger car tire while trucks can contain 34 pounds of steel per tire, but they are also a source of energy, providing 14,000 to 15,000 Btu's per pound.

As a result of this information, as well as numerous tests over the course of the last few months, the Faircrest Plant has recently moved forward to making tires a permanent addition to its melts. In doing so, Timken joins other steel companies helping to solve America's solid waste issues. For more information on this issue, contact Bill Heenan.

On Manufacturing and Technology Front

Life Cycles Indicator Project Begins
AISI Manufacturing and Technology (M&T) recently announced that the Life Cycles Indicators (LCI) project has formally begun. Key to the project's start was the delivery of a "web-based data-inputting tool," which is now in place. The LCI project is a scientifically rigorous process for gathering environmental data on 21 steel projects, including cold rolled coil, hot dipped galvanized steel, coated products, plate, and structurals. This information is needed by an ever-increasing number of our customers, including Ford Motor Company and Proctor & Gamble, who need it to create an "environmental footprint" for their own products. Since this is an international effort, North American steelmakers will be able to document their superior environmental performance relative to the rest of the world. Nonparticipating companies that would like to know more about this project should contact Bill Obenchain.

Operating Report Systems Easier to Maintain Online
M&T's web-based operating report systems is undergoing a pad-up rebuild. The new system will provide a single point log-in at www.steel.org, better facilitate data entry and automatically generate operating and the benchmarking reports. Services will be expanded to duplicate those offered the ironmakers. At present no changes to data we are collecting is anticipated. However, the new system will make it easy to add, delete, or modify parameters in the future. A beta site for the Hot Strip Mill Operating Report is currently being tested. Send your thoughts on how the new system should look to Bill Obenchain.

AISI's Don Allen Appointed to ICC-ES Committee

The Steel Framing Alliance (SFA), an affiliate of AISI, recently announced the appointment of Don Allen to the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Industry Advisory Committee (ESAC).

"The ICC-ES process is very important to the acceptance of new products in the marketplace," said Allen. "With the incredible amount of innovation going on in construction, especially in steel framing, it is essential that the ICC ES and the steel framing industry have an excellent working relationship and fully understand one another. I will do my best to maintain and strengthen that relationship."

Allen is director of engineering for SFA and technical director for the Steel Stud Manufacturers Association. He is one of 20 selected by the ICC-ES Board of Directors to serve on the committee, which is comprised of key figures from a broad range of companies and industries. The ESAC is charged with advising the ICC-ES Board of Directors on matters affecting working relationships and cooperative efforts between report holders and users. It will also recommend ways ICC-ES can improve communications and customer service.

Members were chosen for the ICC-ES Industry Advisory Committee based on past activity with ICC-ES operations and staff, involvement with industry activities, and the types of products or services in which candidates function. Members will serve for a one-year term, and new representatives for the ESAC will be selected in 2007.

The group will hold its first meeting Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006, in Tampa, Fla., coinciding with the International Code Council's Annual Meeting. The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Debbie Bennett.

Sun Shines on Reopening of Hurricane-Damaged Little League Baseball Field

Mittal Steel USA is joined by representatives of AISI's Gulf Coast Steel Initiative for Opening Ceremonies at Skellie Field in Long Beach, Mississippi

Mittal Steel USA helped re-open hurricane-damaged Skellie field, taking part, along with representatives from AISI's Gulf Coast Steel Initiative, in Long Beach's Babe Ruth league season opener on Earth Day, April 22. Mittal Steel USA provided seed money toward the purchase of lighting fixtures and steel cross bar supports, and the company also arranged for and donated labor costs for the installation. Staff was there to provide event support and souvenirs for local residents and league participants, including baseballs and hats.

Representatives from AISI's Gulf Coast Steel Initiative handed out information on the benefits of steel framing and roofing and handed out ROSCOE lunchboxes and snacks to the little leaguers. ROSCOE represents the importance of steel recycling. Long Beach Mayor Billy Skellie, along with local residents who took part in the event, expressed appreciation to the North American steel industry for the support extended to the community. For more information, contact Elizabeth Vago.