Top Stories

Top Stories

AISI Appoints Gibson President and CEO
SMDI Launch
New Steel Campaign Continues to Change Perceptions
AISI Hosts Capitol Hill Briefing on Global Steel Sectoral Approach to Climate Change
AISI Joins American Scrap Coalition

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Capitol Line

• Climate Change Bill Stalls in Senate
• The American Steel First Act Approved in Committee
• Buy America Required in New Public School Construction
• Check Out AISI's Public Policy Efforts on the Web

Steel Education Program Reaches Milestone
SRI Working with Coleman® on Recycling Effort
Forged Steel Steering Knuckle Superior in Life Cycle Analysis Study
2008 FeMET and StEEL Scholarship Recipients Announced
Greening the World with Steel—One Car at a Time
AISI's Market Development Progress Report Receives Recognition
Steel-Framed Home Donated to Wounded Iraq War Veteran
History Channel to Feature Advanced High-Strength Steel Technologies
Steel's Sustainability Site Expands to Include Appliances
AISI Announces New Staff Positions

AISI Appoints Gibson President and CEO

AISI has announced the selection of Thomas J. Gibson as the association's president and chief executive officer, effective September 1. Currently senior vice president of Advocacy for the American Chemistry Council (ACC), Gibson will succeed AISI President and CEO Andrew G. Sharkey, III, who has announced his retirement after leading the Institute over the past 15 years and following a distinguished 30-year career leading steel-related trade associations.

"Tom brings an impressive record of achievement in government service and industry advocacy that will equip him to lead a strong, policy-focused AISI going forward," said Keith Busse, chairman, AISI Board of Directors and chairman and CEO of Steel Dynamics, Inc., in a letter to AISI's Board of Directors. "With his leadership experience at ACC and as the top government affairs officer for the Portland Cement Association, Tom will effectively spearhead AISI's advocacy efforts on critical policy issues, such as access to affordable energy, climate change, trade and pro-manufacturing policies."

"I am proud to be joining the institute at this critical time and appreciate the opportunity to build on Andy's record of accomplishment. The North American steel industry has a tremendous record of innovation and achievement. I look forward to bringing that story to decision makers at all levels of government as we advance our advocacy agenda," Gibson said.

Over his years at ACC and Portland Cement Association - which, like AISI, both represent energy-intensive member companies—Gibson has established a track record of achieving legislative objectives working with both Democrats and Republicans. At ACC, he led the chemical industry's global, federal and state advocacy efforts and has represented the association before government and media. At PCA, he led efforts to increase the cement industry's visibility and clout in Washington, including spearheading industry efforts on climate change and successfully advocating for the cement industry's inclusion in the Asia Pacific Partnership.

Gibson is a United States Naval Academy graduate with a masters degree from the University of Rhode Island and a juris doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center. He resides in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife Sheila. They have two college-age children. For more information, contact Nancy Gravatt.

AISI Establishes Steel Market Development Institute

AISI has announced the establishment of the AISI Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), effective August 1, with the mission "to advance the competitive use of steel through a market-driven strategy that promotes cost effective steel based solutions." The new Institute, which replaces the AISI Market Development Committee, is being funded through a direct investment from eight of North America's leading steel producers with a strong commitment to growing steel's competitive position in the North American market. Its establishment as a business unit of AISI reflects strategic direction resulting from the AISI Visioning Project, which led to the Institute's heightened focus on a robust policy agenda, while also recognizing the importance of advancing steel as the material of choice.

The chairman of the new SMDI board will be J. James Kutka, Jr., senior vice president - Strategic Planning and Business Development, United States Steel Corporation. David C. Jeanes, formerly a senior vice president of AISI, will become President of the new Steel Market Development Institute, bringing over 30 years of steel industry research, design and marketing experience to the position.

The AISI Steel Market Development Institute, which will operate as a business unit of AISI, will be led by a board of directors with representation from each of the eight investing companies and will report to a CEO group. The current market committees will be re-named the Automotive Applications Council, Construction Market Council and the Steel Packaging Council.

The eight companies funding the new SMDI will each have a representative on its board. The members are:

As a business unit of AISI, the Steel Market Development Institute will continue to advance new steel technologies and business practices in the marketplace. Dynamic programs being implemented under auspices of SMDI will further enhance the value to the investing companies through advanced access to market information, program developments and business opportunities. For more information, contact Nancy Gravatt.

New Steel Campaign Continues to Change Perceptions

AISI's New Steel Campaign's June 2008 research results indicate an increase in awareness and favorability among policymakers, proving that the campaign continues to make progress in re-branding American steel as a high-tech, sustainable industry of the future.

"The June 2008 research results confirm the positive role that the campaign has been playing to make sure that Washington policymakers are reminded of the vitality and sustainability of the American steel industry," AISI President and CEO, Andrew G. Sharkey, III, said. "Prior to the launch of the campaign, benchmarking research showed that many policymakers viewed steel as an outdated industry and were not aware of many of the tremendous technological advances integral to today's steelmaking. The campaign has helped to create a more positive atmosphere for the industry by turning attention toward the industry's progress. It has also expanded awareness of the extent to which the industry has lightened its environmental footprint, something that continues as a top industry priority."

The tracking survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, found that over the course of the campaign, there has been a 16-point total favorable shift of perceptions related to the American steel industry, with a plurality (47 percent) viewing the industry as modern, clean, hi-tech and globally competitive. In addition, there has been a gain of eight percent in those who cite steel as the most recycled material in the world, since the campaign launch in 2006. The research also shows that the messages that resonate most effectively with policymakers relate to the steel industry's importance to America's economy and national security.

The overall objective of the campaign is to close the gap between outdated perceptions of the industry and the reality of today's globally competitive and vibrant American steel industry. The campaign includes print, online and radio advertisements aimed to educate Washington policymakers about the strides that have been made within the steel industry that today makes it a strategic asset to the nation. For more information, contact Nancy Gravatt.

AISI Hosts Capitol Hill Briefing on Global Steel Sectoral Approach to Climate Change

On June 20, AISI hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill—attracting more than 60 attendees including staff from 15 congressional offices—to discuss the global steel sectoral approach to climate change. The briefing was held in conjunction with the International Iron and Steel Institute's (IISI) environmental meetings taking place in Washington, D.C.

Global steel representatives discussed with Hill staff, federal agency staff and reporters the importance of adopting a global sectoral approach that will set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the world, without giving any one nation or region a competitive advantage over another. The representatives also discussed why current cap-and-trade proposals do not have global reach, and will, therefore, not solve the problem of climate change.

Speakers at the briefing included: Joseph Wesselman, environmental director, North American operations, SSAB; Ian Christmas, secretary general, IISI; Scott Salmon, general manager, governmental affairs, United States Steel Corporation; Hiroyuki Tezuka, general manager, climate change technology, JFE Steel Corporation; Carlos Pineiro, corporate environmental manager, Techint Group; and Elliot Diringer, Pew Center on Global Climate Change.

A video of the briefing is available on AISI's Web site, www.steel.org, along with the speakers' presentations. The video will also be made available on YouTube, EnergyPolicyTV and other online sites. For more information, contact Nancy Gravatt.

AISI Joins American Scrap Coalition

AISI has joined the American Scrap Coalition (ASC), which is urging strong, immediate government action to eliminate the taxes and other market access barriers that numerous offshore governments maintain on their exports of steel scrap.

"The widespread use of steel scrap export taxes and other barriers initiated by foreign governments is one more important example of the uneven international playing field for steel and U.S. manufacturing in general," said Keith E. Busse, AISI chairman and chairman and CEO of Steel Dynamics, Inc. "These export restrictions by governments act as a significant subsidy for their domestic steel and steel-using industries in those countries that restrict scrap exports."

ASC is a coalition of steel scrap-using industries formed in June 2008. For more information, contact Barry Solarz.

The Capitol Line

Climate Change Bill Stalls in Senate

Debated on the Senate floor in the beginning of June, S. 3036, the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008, did not reach a final vote, but the legislation's potential negative impact on domestic steel was stressed by several Senators. In one example, Senator Specter spoke to competitiveness issues that could lead a shift in production to countries without emission standards. In addition to floor statements, numerous amendments detailing domestic steel interests were sponsored by Senate Steel Caucus members and co-authored by AISI.

Similar concerns used before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality during AISI supported testimony in March. AISI's public policy agenda asserts that all products sold in the U.S. should meet the same carbon intensity standards imposed on domestic producers. For more in AISI's climate change focus, click here.

The American Steel First Act Approved in Committee

The American Steel First Act (H.R. 5935), was unanimously approved by the House Homeland Security Committee on June 26. The bill would require federally funded construction projects under the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation to use 100 percent American-made steel products.

H.R. 5935 faces a strong challenge in the House Committee on Armed Services, which it must pass before a full vote can be taken by the House of Representatives. To view AISI's Steelgram supporting H.R. 5935, click here.

Buy America Required in New Public School Construction

An amendment that requires local education agencies to use American iron and steel for modernization, renovation, or repair projects at public school facilities was included in the recently passed 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 3021). The amendment, sponsored by Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Pete Visclosky, allows for Buy America exclusions such as increase of total cost. H.R. 3021 will offer grants to renovate and modernize schools.

Congressman Stupak, a fellow proponent of the amendment, said, "Congress has to take action to prevent inferior Chinese steel from being used in our schools." The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate.

Check Out AISI's Public Policy Efforts on the Web

AISI's Public Policy Homepage

AISI's Legislative Action Center

For more information on these Web sites, contact David Ziemba.

If you have any questions regarding AISI public policy issues, please feel free to contact any member of the Public Policy Team:

More Stories

Steel Education Program Reaches Milestone

Since it's launch back in 2005, AISI's Lineman Training Workshops have reached over 1,000 students nationwide. These students, enrolled in training programs at technical and community colleges in 20 states, have been trained to use steel for distribution pole construction. This milestone comes as steel is increasingly becoming a material of choice for distribution poles, as management and linemen at utility companies realize its important cost, installation and maintenance benefits.

"With these workshops, we are doing our part to further the line technician's education and, on a more global scale, helping to support the reliability of our nation's power transmission and distribution system," said Gary McDonald, a 40-year veteran of the electric utility industry who leads the workshops.

To assist with the learning curve from switching to steel distribution poles and to reinforce lineman safety guidelines for all types of distribution poles, the AISI Lineman Training Workshops were developed. The training workshop has also started to expand within the electric utility industry.

In addition, AISI has been asked by five major electric utilities to train linemen, trainers, managers, and other operations personnel on the safety, installation, and maintenance of steel distribution poles. The utilities include San Diego Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas & Electric, PNM (New Mexico), and Entergy.

Today, more than 600 utility companies in the United States use steel poles in their distribution systems. Some companies have converted entirely to steel poles, based in large part on the recommendations of their linemen who work with steel every day. For more information, contact Dan Snyder.

SRI Working with Coleman® on Recycling Effort

The Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) has been working with Coleman: The Outdoor Company™ in an effort to make single-use propane cylinders recyclable. A breakthrough has occurred in the form of the Green Key® tool, a simple plastic device that, when inserted into an empty propane cylinder, releases any remaining fumes, rendering the cylinder depressurized and ready to be discarded or recycled where available.

In the public announcement, Coleman® highlighted the recycled content that is inherent to the steel that goes into the cylinders. The new technology allows communities the option of adding these containers to the steel can mix in curbside and drop-off recycling programs.

SRI has provided Coleman® with practical advice on how to advance its North American "Green Key" tool initiative, and will continue to work with Coleman® to advance the recycling of these types of containers in curbside and drop-off programs on a community-by-community effort. For more information, contact Bill Heenan.

Forged Steel Steering Knuckle Superior in Life Cycle Analysis Study

A professor-student team at the Missouri University of Science & Technology recently performed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on the greenhouse gas emission associated with manufacturing three steering knuckles. The team found that the forged steel steering knuckle had significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than either the cast aluminum or cast iron steering knuckle over their respective life cycles, which were divided into the manufacturing, use, and end-of-life phases.

The team was awarded a Ferrous Metallurgy Education Technology (FeMET) Design grant from AISI and the Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST), based on their proposal to compare the greenhouse gas emissions produced over the life cycles of the steering knuckles.

"As the steel industry and steel customers seek to lighten their environmental footprint, it is important to consider the entire life cycle in assessing the environmental impact," said David Anderson, director of Long Products at AISI. "While CAFE standards emphasize the use phase, a more important consideration is the environmental impact over the entire life cycle of the component or vehicle."

The team found that the forged steel steering knuckle, being relatively light-weight, did not consume a large amount of fuel in either the use or end-of-life phases. Overall, the aluminum and cast iron steering knuckles had more factors contributing to emissions than the forged steel steering knuckle. To view the full report, visit www.autosteel.org/longproducts. For more information, contact David Anderson.

2008 FeMET and StEEL Scholarship Recipients Announced

AISI and the Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST) have selected the awardees for the 2008 Ferrous Metallurgy Education Today (FeMET) and Steel Engineering Education Link (StEEL) scholarships. Fifteen individuals from the class of 2010 have been selected for the scholarships, including Thomas J. Baily (Missouri University of Science and Technology), the first to receive the AISI/AIST Foundation Premier Scholarship—awarded to the candidate ranking highest of all FeMET and StEEL applications received.

FeMET and StEEL, jointly conducted with the AIST, are aimed at attracting top talent to the North American steel industry. The programs award two-year scholarships and summer internships to students pursuing metallurgy, materials science and engineering degrees. There continues to be an increasing number of applications each year, indicating that the programs are becoming better known on college campuses and that students view the steel industry as a career with opportunity.

The 2008 scholarship recipients are:

AISI/AIST Foundation Premier
Thomas J. Baily, Missouri University of Science and Technology

FeMET
Hillary Griffith, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Bradley B. Hasek, Pennsylvania State University; Mark J. Hlady, University of Alberta; Sarah Miller, Washington State University; Micah P. Morrison, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Nichlas Z. Swinteck, University of Arizona; Hannah M. Terwelp, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Ashley E. Vayer-Jenkins, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; and Eric D. Young, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

StEEL
Marlon J. Belleth, University of Houston; Nathan E. Carlson, University of Utah; Kalan P. Kucera, University of Kentucky; Steven E. McKee, University of Missouri-Columbia; and Stefan K. Prodan, Georgia Institute of Technology.

For more information, contact BV Lakshminarayana.

Greening the World with Steel—One Car at a Time

Designing an eye-catching, affordable car with "green steel" is the challenge that AISI has put before three transportation design students at the College for Creative Studies (CCS), as part of the 20th year of the AISI/CCS Summer Internship Program. Using the world's most recycled material, the CCS students will develop steel-intensive cars that consumers will crave for their beauty, power and reduced environmental footprint.

"Our focus on recyclability strikes the perfect balance between design and function for the environmentally minded," AISI Vice President of Automotive Applications, Ron Krupitzer, said. "Today's vehicles are all about choice. The CCS students' concept designs will offer inspiration with a blend of luxury and adventure, combined with a strong message about the environmental benefits of steel."

The students will stretch their imaginations as they design three different car concepts with substance and style that boast a green philosophy with the mindset of designing safe, affordable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible vehicles.

With guidance from AISI steel application specialists and automotive designers, the CCS students will learn about the design and engineering potential of steel. The internship offers a unique opportunity to design a car with creativity and expression, while integrating state-of-the-art advanced high-strength steel safety technologies and environmental values. The models will be unveiled in September to senior automotive and steel company executives, as well as national automotive media. For more information, contact Deanna Lorincz.

AISI's Market Development Progress Report Receives Recognition

In June, the "AISI Market Development Progress Report 2006-2007: Advancing Steel's Competitive Edge" was recognized by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals with the Hermes Creative Award in the category of Publication/Annual Report.

"This is credit for the quality of the report, but also for the value of the market programs in which our members are investing," said Senior Vice President, Market Development, David Jeanes.

The Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional communication materials. The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals is an international organization consisting of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, media production, web and free-lance professionals. For more information, contact Debbie Bennett.

Steel-Framed Home Donated to Wounded Iraq War Veteran

For the third consecutive year, a steel-framed home is being donated to a wounded military veteran through a partnership between METALCON International and Homes for Our Troops (HFOT). U.S. Army Specialist David Battle and his family, which includes his wife and four children, are the recipients of the METALCON 2008 house.

"This program could not be possible without the support and generosity of so many incredible people in our industry and beyond," said Claire Kilcoyne, show director for METALCON.

One such volunteer is the Steel Framing Alliance, which is offering local industry support during the construction of the home. The steel-framed home will be on display at METALCON 2008 in October in Baltimore, MD, and will be dismantled and rebuilt by HFOT following the completion of the tradeshow.

Battle was severely injured in December 2007 while serving in Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment out of Fort Stewart, GA. An IED blast has left him a triple amputee and he is currently recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. For more information, contact Laurie Farrell.

History Channel to Feature Advanced High-Strength Steel Technologies

The popular "Modern Marvels" program, featured on The History Channel, will air a segment in August 2008 that highlights advanced high-strength steels. Footage will include the bodies-in-white displayed during the 2008 Great Designs in Steel Seminar, and an interview with the chairman of AISI's Automotive Applications Committee, Jody Shaw of United States Steel Corporation.

"Modern Marvels" is described as "celebrating ingenuity, invention and imagination brought to life on a grand scale. [It] tells the fascinating stories of the doers, dreamers and sometimes-schemers who created everyday items, technological breakthroughs and man-made wonders."

AISI's Automotive Program staff worked with The History Channel staff to provide information and footage for this segment, taking advantage of a unique opportunity to educate thousands of viewers on the benefits of steel. For more information, contact Deanna Lorincz.

Steel's Sustainability Site Expands to Include Appliances

SRI's new sustainability Web site (www.sustainable-steel.com or www.sustainable-steel.org) has just been expanded to include a section on appliances. The average appliance contains over 60 percent steel content by weight, making it a steel-intensive market.

The new section demonstrates that steel is a driving force in making appliances part of the sustainability solution through increased durability and recyclability. It includes information on the Energy Star: Recycle My Old Fridge campaign, locations on where to recycle appliances, and how to increase energy efficiency in homes by recycling old appliances and replacing them with new, energy-efficient models. The section also includes a video that illustrates the recycling process for appliances.

The sustainability Web site has become an important industry and customer resource for information on the sustainable benefits of steel. To view the site, visit www.sustainable-steel.com or www.sustainable-steel.org. For more information, contact Bill Heenan.

AISI Announces New Staff Positions

Helen Chen, Ph.D., P.E., Manager, AISI Construction Standards Development

Helen Chen, Ph.D., P.E. has been named manager of AISI Construction Standards Development, a new position that will expand on her current responsibilities as senior engineer.

"Helen has done an outstanding job over the years serving as Secretary for AISI's Committee on Specifications and recently completed a strategic review of all of AISI's construction standard activities. She evaluated our existing standards development process and positioned our process to be responsive to future industry objectives," said Robert Wills, vice president, construction market development. "This review led to the overall restructuring of our standards development function and, as a result, has led us to offer Helen this new and exciting position within our construction standards development team."

As manager of AISI Construction Standards Development, Chen is responsible for maintaining and improving AISI's standards development operations, facilitating AISI's ongoing standards development committee activities, and ensuring AISI's recognition as an accredited American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards Development Organization.

Deborah Oates, Standards Administrator, Construction Technical Program

Deborah Oates has been named standards administrator for AISI's construction technical program.

In this new position, Oates will be working with Jay Larson and Helen Chen to manage administrative support for the activities of the new AISI Standards Council, including its standards development committees, subcommittees, and task groups, as well as its research and development projects. She will also administer the ANSI compliance process, facilitate standards development committee operations, and manage the publications preparation process.

Oates brings 15 years of experience working with AISI's Manufacturing and Technology department, where she was responsible for managing several manufacturing committees.

Maureen Iselin, Manager, Communications

Maureen Iselin has been named manager of AISI's communications department. In this role, her responsibilities will include managing AISI's day-to-day media relations activities, such as working on press releases and responding to media inquiries, as well as assisting the communications department in developing a strategic communications plan for 2009.

Iselin has been with AISI since August 2006 and previously held the title of associate of communications. She is a graduate of Christopher Newport University with a degree in communications studies.