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General Session Program
New Realities, Critical Risks and Survival Strategies
John Manzella
The Manzella Report
New realities and critical risks are severely impacting business. Hyper competition is forcing companies to pursue new markets and build more reliable supply chains, while smarter workers must deliver more complex solutions. But these efforts are impacted by worker shortages, immigration barriers, automation demands, and protectionism. This stimulating and insightful program forecasts economic growth, explores pressing labor issues, delves into Chinese challenges, exposes hurdles with Canada, Mexico, and Europe, reveals how globalization is evolving, and analyzes connections between middle class erosion and political shifts. Importantly, it provides strategies to reduce risks and prepare for what's ahead.
Washington Update
Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO-06), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Chairman of the Wire and Wire Products Caucus (virtual)
What can we expect from the new 118th Congress? Despite the return of divided government and slim margins in both chambers, there are opportunities for bipartisanship in a number of policy areas of importance to U.S. manufacturers generally and to the wire and wire products sector specifically. You’ll hear from Washington insiders on the outlook for legislative progress on issues including trade, workforce development, infrastructure and tax.
Trade Update
Dawn Shackleford
Executive Director of Agreements Policy & Negotiations, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
Kathleen Cannon
Partner, Kelley Drye
Trade in general, and China in particular, continue to be a key focus of the Administration and Congress. Once President Biden took office, was there a shift in priorities in the trade area? Have increased attempts to engage with our trade partners created opportunities for U.S. manufacturers? How can the wire and wire products industries elevate their profile in such discussions and ensure that their products are covered in any future actions? Is there anything that the Administration or Congress can do to speed relief to domestic industries facing rapid and injurious import surges during economic downturns? Speakers will discuss updates in the trade area with respect to both existing trade laws and cases as well as new potential agreements or avenues to address imports and supply chain issues.
State of the Steel Industry
Kevin Dempsey
President & CEO, American Iron and Steel Institute
Hear a rod-maker’s view on the outlook for steel market stability, availability, and growth in 2023, the impact of legislation and law, including the infrastructure bill, on competition, and continuing sustainability initiatives among the steel industry.
Rod Supply Panel
Sebastian Frey, Tata International
Stephen Jurewicz, Nucor
Patricio Pimentel, Heico Wire Group
Our program will include the popular panel of your colleagues who are industry experts addressing Global Rod Supply. Executives from a wire company, US carbon and stainless rod mills, and an international trading company will provide insight from their perspectives on the current rod market and the supply and demand issues that face the wire industry.
Supplier Presentations
This year we hear from equipment manufacturers on the latest and greatest. Is it time for a capital investment in equipment for your facility? Schlatter North America Inc., one of our newest members, and Mario Frigerio, will have insight on what's new.
MEETINGS
Committee Meetings
Product Committee meetings will be held Monday afternoon. Committee meetings are the forum where activities and programs are planned, and issues of concern are discussed. All members and potential members are welcome and encouraged to attend the Membership and Stainless Committee meetings. Attendance at the Executive Committee, Government Relations Advisory Committee and Board of Directors meetings are limited to the designated committee members.
Business Meetings
Active and Associate Member Business Meetings, an important component of the Annual Meeting, are the venue of the official business of the Association. These meetings will take place Wednesday morning. The Active Member Business Meeting will include the election of Officers and Directors, a financial report, and the discussion of any business or policy issues that require attention. What position will AWPA take related to international trade policies and tariff programs? Your company has a stake in what AWPA decides to do. Please make time to attend these important Association business meetings.
AWPA Suppliers and Active members are reminded it is the policy of the AWPA that commercial meetings and private social events may not be scheduled during the general sessions and receptions on the Annual Meeting Schedule of Events.
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