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AISI to Explore Global Competitiveness Issues at 116th General Meeting This May

The AISI's 116th General Meeting will take place May 4-6, 2008, at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona. AISI will meet jointly with the Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) to discuss critical issues for producers and service centers to succeed in the global marketplace.

The General Meeting provides an opportunity for steel producers and service centers to strengthen relationships, share ideas and work together to improve the competitiveness of North American manufacturing.

This year's meeting will focus on:

• Economic Outlook—The Good, The Bad and the Not-So Ugly — Harvard economist Dr. Martin Feldstein, who was chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Reagan, will talk about the challenges that lie ahead over the next 12 months. Is a recession unavoidable? Is he worried about the dollar declining too sharply? Have we seen the bottom in housing? What is the silver lining for the manufacturing sector, if any?
  
  
• The Global Steel Battleground: Raw Materials, Energy and Climate Change — While the steel outlook for 2008 is strong, the North American steel industry will face significant challenges in addressing global issues for the steel and manufacturing sectors in three areas: climate change, energy, and raw materials. Hear from a panel of major global steel producers and global and North American suppliers of raw materials.
  
  
• Race for the White House: Political Point-Counterpoint — Terry McAuliffe and Dan Bartlett bring extensive experience and admirable devotion to American politics. McAuliffe got his start working on Jimmy Carter's reelection campaign and later, as chair of the Democratic National Committee. Bartlett, the former counselor to President George W. Bush, served as a go-to communications officer and respected advisor who built strong bridges of communication between the executive brand and the national media. Together they discuss the American political scene, hot-button issues, and the race to the Oval Office from the inside track.
  
  
• The Strategic Challenges Facing the North American Steel Industry — Hear from a steel industry panel of producer and service center CEOs reflect on a range of North American manufacturing competitiveness issues including global consolidation, the steel distribution channel, dynamics of a rapidly changing workforce, and outlook for several end-use markets. Moderated by M. Robert Weidner, III, president and CEO, Metals Service Center Institute.
  
  
• Addressing Climate Change with Global Solutions: What's on the Horizon in Breakthrough Technologies? — With regulations aimed at reducing climate change looming on the horizon, what global, technology-based solutions are feasible? Come find out how technology can fit into U.S. and global policy options that are being debated right now and the potential impact various regulations could have on manufacturing.
  
  
• Demographics, Diversity and the Workplace — Ken Dychtwald has a unique ability to blend social science with marketing. A psychologist, expert on aging, and entrepreneur, he is a workforce futurist with original ideas and innovative solutions to help businesses address the looming crises facing organizations with an aging population.

The AISI 2008 General Meeting will begin on Sunday evening, May 4, with a joint Welcome Party at the Jokake Inn, an outdoor venue at The Phoenician, in Scottsdale, Arizona. General sessions will begin at 7:45 am on Monday, May 5. For more information, including a detailed schedule of events, tour and hotel information and online registration, click here. Register by March 31st and save $$. Register online and save $200. Please make your hotel reservations today — the room block will fill quickly. For more information, contact Elizabeth Vago or Maureen Iselin.

AISI Participates in Future Steel Vehicle Research Initiative

AISI's Automotive Applications Committee (AAC) is participating in a global steel industry research initiative by the International Iron and Steel Insitute's automotive group, WorldAutoSteel, to mitigate automotive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project, Future Steel Vehicle, will develop steel auto body concepts that address alternative powertrains, such as advanced hybrid, electric and fuel cell systems. The goal of this research is to demonstrate safe, structurally efficient steel bodies for future vehicles that reduce GHG emissions over the entire vehicle life.

A multi-million dollar, multi-year program, Future Steel Vehicle will consist of three phases: Phase I, Engineering Study; Phase II, Concept Designs; and Phase III, Demonstration Hardware.

WorldAutoSteel commissioned the world's largest independent automotive engineering partner, EDAG Engineering + Design AG, to complete the engineering study. Phase I will examine changes affected by new powertrain systems that may radically alter the structure of automobiles and will provide input for selection of Phase II design concepts. Phase I results are expected in 2008.

Future Steel Vehicle is the fifth in a series of auto steel research projects. The previous four, representing more than $60 million in industry investment by the world's sheet steel producers, were undertaken over the last decade to demonstrate the application of new steel grades, design techniques and manufacturing technologies for light vehicle structures. They included the UltraLight Steel Auto Body (ULSAB), UltraLight Steel Auto Closures (ULSAC) and UltraLight Steel Auto Suspensions (ULSAS) projects. Each demonstrated the successful use of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) in high-volume steel applications that significantly reduced vehicle weight, while improving safety and performance and maintaining manufacturing affordability.

A fourth project, ULSAB-Advanced Vehicle Concepts (ULSAB-AVC), produced full vehicle concepts for a C-class and a mid-size vehicle. Achievements included significantly improved energy efficiency through lightweight AHSS applications. For more information, contact Deanna Lorincz at lorinczd@autosteel.org.

AISI 2007 Annual Report Highlight’s Steel’s Integral Role in the Modern World—An Infinitely Recyclable Material Responsible to Future Generations

AISI released its 2007 Annual Report, Steel—Present & Accountable, at its February Board of Directors Meeting, held in Washington, D.C.

“The Annual Report reminds stakeholders and key opinion leaders what it has meant for the North American steel industry to work with customers and partners to provide material solutions that meet society’s needs today and into the future,” Andrew G. Sharkey, III, president and CEO of AISI said. “Steel is present in hundreds of thousands of products—and is integral to the modern world of buildings, transportation and infrastructure, medicine, homeland security and food packaging. The North American steel industry is regarded as a strategic, high-tech and globally competitive industry."

The Report not only celebrates steel’s presence in our everyday lives, but makes the important connection between the material and the North American steel industry’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship—its accountability to our planet and its inhabitants. The American steel industry is the most energy efficient in the world. Largely through recycling and investments in new technology, America’s steel industry has reduced energy use per ton by nearly 30% since 1990. And U.S. steel makers emissions are 17% less than they were in 1990.

The North American steel industry is an excellent model for others to follow with regards to The Four R’s of environmental stewardship—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Restore. The Report highlights how AISI is sharing its performance in these areas with customers, including Wal-Mart, who is striving to develop sustainable guidelines for their buyers. The Report also discusses the American steel industry’s accountability to its people, the men and women who work to produce quality steels, and to its stakeholders, including producer and associate members and the more than 260 organizations who have aligned themselves with the AISI to invest in collaborative projects.

For more information or to obtain copy of the AISI 2007 Annual Report, please contact AISI at 202.452.7115. Visit the AISI Web site at www.steel.org.

New Publication Addresses Steel Bridge Myths and Realities

Steel Bridge Construction: Myths and Realities, an updated fact-rich publication that addresses a wide range of topics about steel bridges, is now available through a joint effort between AISI, the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA). For example, did you know that modular prefabricated short-span steel bridges can be permanent structures? Or that bridge joints are not a prerequisite for steel bridges? Or that advanced high-performance, EPA-approved steel bridge coatings can last more than 25 years? These topics and others are highlighted in the free publication.

Myths and Realities dispels top myths and misperceptions about the viability of steel in bridge design and construction for a wide range of bridge types. The 25-page report references expert articles and studies from organizations including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), as well as the Strategic Highway Research Program, professional associations, industry analysts and academia.

For example, the misperception that the life expectancy of a steel bridge is shorter than alternative materials is hit head on with facts to the contrary. A 1992 study by Lehigh University analyzed the deterioration rates of the 577,000 bridges listed in the FHWA National Bridge Inventory and concluded that superstructure material type—steel, concrete or other material—was not an indicator of the life expectancy of a bridge. Instead, life expectancy is highly dependent on a bridge's age and average daily traffic.

The report also includes myth-busting analysis about topics such as the reality of maintenance-free bridges (regardless of material), cost competitiveness of simple-span bridges less than 140 feet in length, the viability of weathering steel, the value of jointless bridge decks, and the availability of simple, more economical bridge bearings.

To download a PDF version of the new AISI Steel Bridge Construction: Myths and Realities report, please click here. For more information, contact Megan McCrady.

Under Secretary for International Trade Speaks to AISI Board of Directors

U.S. Department of Commerce Undersecretary for International Trade, Christopher A. Padilla, spoke at AISI’s Board of Directors Meeting on February 6 in Washington, D.C. In his address to the Board, Padilla focused on China trade concerns. He noted that China is having problems in its efforts to use administrative measures to try to control macroeconomic and sector-specific imbalances, including those that persist in the Chinese steel sector.

Padilla went on to stress that the Administration remains committed to continued economic engagement with China through the twin policy tools of dialogue and enforcement — including World Trade Organization (WTO) actions where appropriate and antidumping and countervailing duty law enforcement when industry files trade cases.

Padilla was sworn in as the Under Secretary for International Trade on December 19, 2007. In this role, Padilla oversees the International Trade Association, an agency responsible for developing U.S. trade policy, identifying and resolving market access issues, administering U.S. trade laws, enhancing the global competitiveness of the U.S. manufacturing and services sectors and coordinating U.S. trade advocacy efforts on behalf of U.S. business. For more information, contact Barry Solarz.

The Capitol Line

AISI Holds Congressional Steel Caucus “Meet and Greet” Event on Capitol Hill

On February 7, in coordination with the AISI Board of Directors Meeting, the Institute hosted an official “Meet and Greet” session on Capitol Hill with members of the Congressional Steel Caucus. This very successful event featured member company executives, other industry leaders, over 25 Members of Congress and nearly 40 staffers. In addition, Senate Steel Caucus Co-Chairman Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA)* offered opening remarks and emphasized the importance of a vibrant domestic steel industry.

This event was not only an excellent opportunity for AISI and member company executives to connect and interact with their elected officials, but it also provided a forum for new members of the caucus to meet and engage longtime “steel” champions such as Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-IN)* and Rep. Phil English (R-PA)*, amongst others. In addition, AISI took time at the event to thank all those Congressional Steel Caucus members and staff who continue to support and advocate on behalf of the industry.

* Denotes Steel Caucus Member

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AISI Leaders Meet with New York City Media

AISI Chairman Ward J. “Tim” Timken, Jr., chairman of The Timken Company, and AISI President and CEO Andrew G. Sharkey, III, met with top business and financial media on January 22-23 to discuss the outlook for the North American steel industry in 2008. The two successful days of media briefings and contacts made AISI’s 2008 New York City Media Tour a solid success. The news organizations secured for interviews during the tour are considered highly influential with regard to decision makers and government officials targeted in AISI’s 2008 New Steel Campaign.

Issues ranged from the effect of recent economic developments on the steel industry, to interest generated concerning the influence of global trade and the industries of other regions, including the EU and Asia. The tour brought up key facts regarding the importance of the steel industry to national security and economic development, new innovations and the upward trend of industry performance, and the reinforced commitment to sustainable development practices. For more information, contact Nancy Gravatt.

AISI and CSA Release Second Edition of the Cold-Formed Steel "Harmonized Standard" for NAFTA Partners

AISI, in cooperation with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), has published the second edition of the North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members. The Specification introduces new design provisions and technical changes that add to the original book introduced in 2001. This publication harmonizes cold-formed steel design technology among the United States, Canada and Mexico, allowing faster introduction of new technologies and opening up the marketplace for a wide variety of derivative products such as design aids and educational materials.

“This second edition of the North American Specification is an important tool for anyone involved in the design of cold-formed steel framing,” said Robert Wills, P.E., AISI’s vice president of construction market development. “It offers state-of-the-art provisions that are critical to doing business in the U.S., Canada or Mexico.”

The Commentary on the North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members 2007 was approved in the U.S. by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as the American National Standard, approved in Canada by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and endorsed in Mexico by Camara Nacional de la Industria del Hierro y del Acero (CANACERO). The North American specification, the result of a cooperative effort by AISI’s Committee on Specifications for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members and the Canadian Standards Association Technical Committee on Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members (S136), contains a detailed discussion of the design provisions and a comprehensive bibliography for the background of the specification provisions. The 2007 edition is available for purchase on AISI’s Web site at www.steel.org. For more information, contact Helen Chen, Ph.D.

Federal Nutrition Program Permits More Canned Food for Needy Families

On December 6, 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published an Interim Final Rule on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Effective on February 4, 2008, the rule revises the maximum monthly allowances and minimum requirements for certain foods and adds canned food items to food packages, which will increase the amount of canned food bought and consumed by WIC recipients.

This ruling is a significant step forward for getting all forms of fruits and vegetables included in federally funded nutritional programs. The Canned Food Alliance (CFA) has been working for over two years with federal legislators to include nutritious, convenient canned food in the program. For many years, some of these programs have ignored all forms of fruits and vegetables, whether canned, fresh, frozen or dried.

Canned fruits, vegetables, beans, seafood and juice are included in the Interim Final Rule because of extensive educational efforts by the CFA. The WIC program had not seen major changes since 1980. It is estimated that the new WIC Food Packages could add approximately $213 million in canned food sales over five years.

“The new Interim Final Rule helps WIC moms and children meet key nutritional requirements through the promotion of all forms of fruits and vegetables,” said Rich Tavoletti, executive director of CFA. “Not only will this important population be able to eat more fruits and vegetables, but they will also be able to select the forms they prefer and that work best for their families. We applaud the USDA for recognizing that canned foods play an important role in helping women and children get the nutrition they need. Canned food makes healthy eating easy and accessible for everyone, everywhere, every day.”

State legislators have the final decision regarding what types of food products are allowable in their jurisdiction. The next step for CFA is to provide WIC state agencies with information about nutritious canned food that is eligible for inclusion in the various WIC Food Packages. For more information, contact Rich Tavoletti.

AISI Manufacturing Committee Members Meet with Representatives of AIST

Members of AISI Manufacturing Committees attended a joint meeting in Chicago, Ill. on January 29-30 with representatives from the Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST) to discuss AISI/AIST committee integration. A new committee structure and a method for dealing with confidential operating and benchmark report data were agreed to during the meeting.

The participants also discussed a white paper on Emerging Galvanizing Technologies developed by Gary Dallin as part of the Committee on Manufacturing Technology (COMT) Technology Surveillance program. Member companies are establishing an opt-in team to further investigate the emerging galvanizing technologies of highest interest.

The participants also agreed to hold a Research Planning Workshop on May 14 and 15 in Pittsburgh, Penn. to develop a portfolio of priority collaborative research topics. Experts from academia and from national research labs will be invited to discuss theme topics under consideration, such as “Dealing with High Alloy Steels in Steelmaking and recycling,” “CO₂ Capture and Sequestration” and “Obtaining Value from Steel Plant Wastes.” All AISI members will be invited to participate. For more information, contact BV Lakshminarayana.

AISI Seeks Customer Input on Materials Applications Issues

AISI’s Market Innovation/Growth Task Group has posted a section on AISI’s Web site (www.steel.org) to seek input from customers and potential customers on new and innovative market needs and uses for steel relating to materials applications issues they are facing. The task group will review the inquiries and determine if steel can play a part in providing a solution. The Market Innovation/Growth Task Group, part of AISI’s Market Development program, is charged with identifying opportunities to increase demand for steel in innovative applications and non-traditional markets.

“Through AISI, the North American steel industry has worked with its customers on many business challenges, and over the years we have been successful in developing new technologies and practices that provide steel solutions to those challenges,” said David C. Jeanes, AISI’s senior vice president of market development. “The members of the Market Innovation/Growth Task Group are now in the process of reviewing important steel-related issues such as joining, painting and lightweight design. The discussion has been opened up in the public forum to see if there are other issues that should be reviewed.”

Through AISI’s Market Development programs, the steel industry has been successful in establishing discussions with its customers that have resulted in high-strength steel solutions in the marketplace. An example is automotive design, where new steel technologies have enabled automotive manufacturers to reduce the weight of vehicles while increasing fuel efficiency and keeping passengers safe. According to a Ducker Research study, high-strength steels now make up an average of 435 pounds per vehicle, a 44.6% increase in the past 10 years.

Another example relates to the transportation/infrastructure sector. A partnership between AISI, the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Navy resulted in the development of high-performance steel (HPS) for bridges. HPS plate girders provide a durable, cost-effective and lighter weight bridge design solution when compared with traditional steel bridge design materials. More than 250 HPS projects are either in construction or in service in 45 states.

To view this new Web section, visit www.steel.org and click on the icon that asks “Can Steel Solve Your Materials Problems?” For more information, contact Bob Fatzinger.

National Magazines Help to Promote Steel Recycling

The Steel Reycling Institute (SRI) has received favorable media coverage over the past few months in some important national magazines. In the February, 2008 edition of O Magazine, a magazine published by Oprah Winfrey’s organization, the magazine informed its over 2.4 million readers of how items, including appliances, can be recycled. O Magazine directed its readers to SRI's database of over 12,000 recycling locations across the United States—so that they could find recycling locations nearest their home.

In addition, the February, 2008 edition of Better Homes and Gardens, a magazine with an estimated readership of 7.6 million people, highlights the dos and don’ts of recycling steel in its ‘Living Green’ section. Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, a magazine for dealers and distributors of foodservice equipment and supplies and those who design foodservice facilities and specify equipment and supplies for multi-unit and individually owned chain operations, also highlighted the importance of recycling steel.

In its February, 2008 edition, Foodservice Equipment & Supplies’ Senior Associate Editor, Amelia Levin, wrote an editorial titled, “What a Waste: Effective Waste Management for the Foodservice Industry.” In it Levin highlighted the importance of recycling and the role that the Steel Recycling Institute is playing in serving as a resource for commercial foodservice operators seeking information about recycling.

“SRI's efforts over the years to communicate the steel recycling message continue to pay huge dividends as more and more consumers are learning about our story through publications such as these,” said Bill Heenan, president of SRI. For more information, contact Bill Heenan.

New Publication on HUD-Sponsored Site Helps Builders Evaluate Steel Framing

The Steel Framing Alliance (SFA) has released the first TechSpec on “Cold-Formed Steel Framing,” an excellent resource for any builder considering making the switch to cold-formed steel. The four-page document provides a comprehensive overview of steel framing, including what it takes to make the switch, what to consider when determining if cold-formed steel is right for the next project, and steps to take when a builder decides to start building with steel.

“Cold-Formed Steel Framing” was prepared for both the SFA and the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center. According to John Peavey, applied technology director for the NAHB Research Center, TechSpecs serve as a resource that can help builders implement construction innovations in manageable, systems-based packages.

“TechSpecs are designed to be a one-stop resource for technical stakeholders who are charged with implementing the technology. These documents essentially take the guesswork out of choosing cost-effective technologies and methods that can not only improve the quality of a home but also deliver a distinct market advantage,” Peavey said.

“Any time a builder decides to take a look at using new or alternative technologies, they are going to have a lot of questions,” said Larry Williams, SFA president. “This new TechSpec on ‘Cold-Formed Steel Framing’ is an excellent resource that covers everything from costs and benefits of building with steel, to even some “real-world” feedback from field evaluations. It allows builders to quickly get up to speed on everything they need to know about steel framing so that they can then make an informed decision that works best for them.”

The SFA’s comprehensive menu of educational programs and resource materials makes it easy to learn current best practices for design and construction. In addition to training curriculums and seminars, these resources include technical notes, design guides and specifications, “how to” guides and so much more.

The “Cold-Formed Steel Framing” TechSpec is now available as a free download on the NAHB Research Center’s ToolBase™ Web site at http://www.toolbase.org/pdf/techinv/steel_framing_techspec.pdf. For more information, contact Larry Williams.

AISI Announces Staff Promotions

Robert J. Wills, P.E. Appointed Vice President, Construction Market Development

Robert J. Wills, P.E. has been promoted to vice president of construction market development, taking over for Delbert F. Boring, P.E., who retired at the end of 2007. Wills is responsible for overseeing AISI’s Construction Market programs in commercial buildings, residential construction and the transportation/infrastructure markets, as well as the codes and standards program.

“Robert Wills brings significant construction market experience and a strong reputation among the building codes and standards community to his new position,” said AISI Senior Vice President of Market Development David C. Jeanes, P.E.

Wills, who has over 18 years of experience with AISI, previously served as director of construction codes and standards. In that position, he was responsible for managing steel industry activity related to the development processes for numerous national, state, and local building code organizations, ensuring that the resulting regulations reflected current practice, were technically sound, and did not inhibit the safe use of steel products. His primary areas of expertise include fire safety engineering, structural fire testing and performance, wind engineering, and geotechnical and foundation engineering. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Alabama. Wills received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering with special emphasis on structural and foundation engineering from Mississippi State University.

Jay Larson, P.E., F.ASCE Appointed Managing Director, Construction Technical

Jay Larson, P.E., F.ASCE has been promoted to managing director, construction technical, a new position in AISI’s Construction Market program. His responsibilities include coordinating AISI’s standards development activities (Committee on Specifications, Committee on Framing Standards) and the codes and standards program, as well as working with steel producer and customer partners to evaluate and address technical opportunities and challenges for steel products in the construction marketplace.

“Jay’s experience will meet the industry’s need for a strategic planner who can work with our producer and customer partners to evaluate and address technical opportunities and challenges for steel products in the construction marketplace,” said Robert J. Wills, P.E., AISI’s vice president of construction market development.

Larson joined AISI in 2003 as director of construction codes and standards. In that position, he provided leadership and technical support as secretary of the AISI Committee on Framing Standards, was a leader on the Steel Framing Alliance Research Team, and served as secretary of the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute Technology Development Committee. His work resulted in a series of successful industry-sponsored research projects and the development of a suite of ANSI-approved and code-adopted design and installation standards for cold-formed steel framing.

He has two patents (“Structural Shape for Use in Frame Construction,” 1999; and “Connection for Lightweight Steel Frame System,” 2001), and was the recipient of two Bethlehem Steel Corporation Team Excellence Awards. Larson is a registered professional engineer in the state of Pennsylvania. He graduated from Lehigh University with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and a master of science degree in civil engineering.

Maria Gilbert Appointed Communications Project Manager, Automotive Applications, Market Development

Maria Gilbert has been promoted to communications project manager in automotive applications, market development. Her responsibilities include supporting both the Automotive Applications Committee and the Auto/Steel Partnership. In addition, she has successfully managed AISI/College for Creative Studies/University of Michigan summer automotive design internship.

“Maria’s background in writing brings another level of professionalism to AISI’s automotive applications, market development team,” said Deanna Lorincz, director, automotive communications, market development. “With this new position, Maria’s role will continue to expand in order to showcase her talent within the communications department.” Gilbert has been with AISI since 2004.

Canned Food Alliance Media Campaign Educates Millions of Shoppers

Through the efforts of the Canned Food Alliance (CFA)—whose members include steel producers, food processors and can manufacturers—an intensive consumer awareness campaign held during 2007 resulted in 820 million media impressions, exceeding the original goal by more than 20 million. Of that total, more than 200 million consumers were exposed to the message that canned food is nutritious, which was backed up by research from the University of California-Davis and Rutgers University, two highly respected food nutrition programs. These studies underscore the many ways that moms can include canned foods in more nutritious, delicious and easy-to-prepare meals.

This information appeared in leading media outlets such as Family Circle, Health, Self, Reader’s Digest, MSNBC.com, WebMD, HealthDay, and FOX 5 News (New York, NY), positioning canned food as a solution to the nutritional deficiencies in the American diet.

“By commissioning research at respected universities, CFA has been able to credibly communicate nutrition messages with key influencers from the dietetic field and to consumers through the media,” said Rich Tavoletti, executive director of CFA. “CFA’s research is helping to enhance consumers’ perceptions of canned food.”

CFA consumer awareness efforts encourage shoppers to check the Web site www.mealtime.org for additional research and easy-to-prepare, delicious recipes that include canned food ingredients. For more information, contact Rich Tavoletti.

AISI Retiree Honored

Former AISI vice president of construction market development, Delbert F. Boring, P.E., has been awarded with the Larry A. Swaney Award by the Metal Construction Association (MCA). Boring received the award at MCA’s recent annual meeting in Marco Island, Fla.

“From the early stages of MCA until his recent retirement, Del Boring has been a key figure in the growth of the MCA and a consistent source of advice for MCA committees and our industry partners,” said Jeff Irwin, vice president of MCA, in presenting the award. “Whenever there was a problem in construction Del was the go-to guy.”

The Larry A. Swaney Award, according MCA’s Web site, originated in 2002 and is presented to persons who have worked unselfishly for the success of MCA and the betterment of the metal construction industry. The award is named after on of the founders of the association and its first president. For more information, contact Dan Snyder.