Program
Join us in Washington, DC this September to discuss the state of affairs with industry colleagues, and to speak to lawmakers to advocate for your company and for domestic steel wire manufacturing. There may never be a more important time to speak to your legislators about your industry’s issues. The AWPA will provide the tools, but YOU are the best ambassador for your company and your employees. Join North American wire producers in DC this September and make your voice heard.
2025-2026: Preparing for Cyclical Changes
Connor Lokar, Senior Forecaster, ITR Economics
Conflicting trends characterized the first half of 2024, with lingering concerns regarding future actions by the Federal Reserve Board and the pace of disinflation. Some leading indicators were rising; others remained mired in decline. The reasonably good financial status of consumers in general and robust business cash balances in many industries kept the downside of the business cycle mild in 2024. Join us as we look at the trends for 2025 and into 2026, including the onset of recovery in the industrial economy and a faster rate of rise in most of the service sector. We will look at key markets domestically and globally and their expected impact on attendees. Knowing what to watch for and the probable timing of the reversal will give you confidence as you lay out your plans. Specific action items pertinent to the macro and industry-specific outlook are important parts of the discussion as businesses prepare to maximize profit and prepare for the rest of the decade.
Federal Policies Shaping the Domestic Steel Industry
Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO, American Iron and Steel Institute
Kevin will provide an in-depth discussion on the current state and future outlook of the steel industry. He will examine the effects of recent legislation and trade policy developments on the sector, as well as provide an outlook regarding pending legislation that could shape the competitive landscape in the U.S. and globally. Additionally, Kevin will highlight the latest sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the industry, showcasing innovative practices and technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of steel production and advancing the industry's sustainability goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights from one of the leading voices in the steel sector.
2024 Election Outlook
Jim Ellis, Senior Political Analyst, Business-Industry Political Action Committee
As we gather in our nation’s capital less than two months from Election Day, join us for some timely political prognosticating. One of Washington’s leading political experts will share his insights on the outlook for the November elections, with the nation’s balance of power on the line. In addition to providing an overview of the Presidential battleground – the 7th Presidential “rematch” in U.S. history – we’ll also dig into some of the more pivotal Congressional races. You’ll hear an entertaining and data-packed assessment of how it all might shake out at the ballot box.
Navigating Trade Policy: Insights and Updates
Cara Morrow, Senior Advisor, United States Trade Representative (USTR)
Cara will provide an update on the Biden Administration’s trade policy agenda and issues of interest to the wire and wire products sector and the steel industry more broadly. Cara has more than two decades of experience in trade and industrial policy, including work on steel-specific issues as Director of Policy within the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration. Now in a leading role at USTR, Cara will provide an update on the US-EU Global Arrangement talks, including both the overcapacity and sustainability pillars, as well as the outlook for the Section 232 program. Cara will also discuss other bilateral and multilateral developments of interest, including ongoing talks with the Mexican government on steel trade. She will provide an update on the US-China trade and economic relationship and the Administration’s efforts to combat China’s unfair trade practices – including the President’s recent decision to increase the Section 301 tariffs on a host of products in strategic sectors, including steel. Please join us for this informative presentation and question and answer session with one of the Administration’s foremost experts on trade and industrial policy.
*Check back as we continue to add program content & speakers!*
Congressional Visits
Take advantage of this opportunity and head to Capitol Hill this fall with AWPA. On Thursday, September 19, you'll be paired up with others who have facilities in your districts whenever possible, and will have materials and talking points to assist you at the visits. We make it easy for you to advocate for our industry. Learn more.
SCHEDULE (all times in Eastern): (Printable Schedule of Events).
| Wednesday, September 4, 2024 | |
| 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm | Congressional Visits Issues Briefing Webinar (for Congressional Visits Participants, all interested AWPA members are welcome) |
| Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | |
| 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm | Congressional Visits Logistics Briefing Webinar (for Congressional Visit participants) |
| Thursday, September 12, 2024 | |
| 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm | Executive Committee Meeting (Virtual) (committee members only) |
| Wednesday, September 18, 2024 | |
| 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Board of Directors Meeting & Lunch (committee members only) |
| 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Registration Open |
| 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Stainless Committee Meeting |
| 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Membership Committee Meeting |
| 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Opening Reception |
| Thursday, September 19, 2024 | |
| 8:15 am – 11:30 am | General Session |
| 11:30 am – 12:15 pm | Lunch (final hill meeting logistics) |
| 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Congressional Visits on Capitol Hill |
| 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Reception (Invitations to Members and key staff) Sponsored by Kelley Drye |
| Friday, September 20, 2024 | |
| 8:00 am – 10:30 am | Congressional Visits Debriefing Breakfast Administration Speaker - Cara Morrow, Senior Advisor to the US Trade Rep |
ATTENDEES:
Check back to see who has registered.
The following list shows all reviewed attendees as of 11/23/2024.
| Attendee Name | Title | Company |
| Mr. George Antonopoulos | Chief Financial Manager | Tri Star Metals LLC |
| Mr. Murat Askin | CEO | StaalX LLC |
| Mr. Greg Barbour | Vice President, Sales | Beta Steel Group |
| Ms. Emily Bardach | Executive Director | American Wire Producers Association |
| Mr. Jordi Barrenechea | CEO | WMC |
| Mr. Joe Barrett | President - Davis Wire Corporation & National Strand | Heico Wire Group |
| Mr. Timothy W. Becker | President: Hickory Springs Mfg. | HSM Solutions |
| Mr. Dan Berkowitz | Strategic Marketing Manager | Bekaert Corporation |
| Mr. Scott Bernstein | President | Beta Steel Group |
| Ms. Amy Braune | Director of Sales - Rod Products | Leggett & Platt, Inc. |
| Mr. Brian Burr | Chairman | Sumiden Wire Products Corporation |
| Mrs. Kathleen Cannon | Partner | Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP |
| Mr. Mike Carroll | Vice President Supply Chain | Accent Wire |
| Mr. Alejandro Castano | Commercial Manager, Industrial Division | Mid Continent Steel and Wire Inc. |
| Mr. Jon Cornelius | President | Sumiden Wire Products Corporation |
| Ms. Maggie Crosswy | Government Relations Advisor | Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP |
| Mrs. Nancy Davies | Chief Operating Officer | Tree Island Steel |
| Mr. Kevin Dempsey | President and CEO | American Iron and Steel Institute |
| Mr. Tim Dillon | Sr. VP Sales and Marketing | Liberty Steel USA |
| Mr. Clifford E. Donahue | Raw Material Purchaser | Oklahoma Steel & Wire Company, Inc. |
| Mr. Deron Dunbar | Director of Sales & Marketing | Ivaco Rolling Mills Ltd. |
| Mr. David Duncan Jr. | President/CEO | Granite Falls Furnace |
| Mr. Matthew Duncan | Vice President | Granite Falls Furnace |
| Mr. Jim Ellis | Senior Political Analyst | BIPAC |
| Robert England | Senior Reporter | Fastmarkets |
| Mr. Sebastian Frey | VP Long Products | Tata International |
| Mr. Edward P. Goettl | Optimus Steel LLC | |
| Francis Michael Hayes | Director of Sales | EVRAZ North America |
| Netzer Hernandez | Regional Sales Rep | Optimus Steel LLC |
| Ms. Rebekah Hoffman | Regional Sales Rep. | Optimus Steel LLC |
| Mr. David Hudson | Director - Wire Rod Sales | ArcelorMittal Long Products |
| Mr. Mark Jacinto | Director of Sales | Optimus Steel LLC |
| Elizabeth Johnson | Special Counsel | Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP |
| Mr. John T. Johnson Jr. | President | Mid-South Wire Company |
| Mr. Simon Jones | Operations Coordinator | WCJ Pilgrim Wire |
| Mr. Stephen Jurewicz | Sales Manager | Nucor |
| Mr. Michael Kallas | Senior Director of Procurement | Bekaert Corporation |
| Mr. Brian Killam | Sales Manager - Western Division | Gerard Daniel Worldwide |
| Mr. John King | Vice President - Sales | Liberty Steel USA |
| Mr. Akihiro Kotani | President | Tokusen USA, Inc. |
| Mr. Christopher Lam | Regional Sales Rep | Optimus Steel LLC |
| Mr. Luis Eugenio Leal Rangel | Director of Trade and Government Affairs | Mid Continent Steel and Wire Inc. |
| Mr. Connor Lokar | Senior Analyst | ITR Economics |
| Mr. Mack Magnus | President | M&B Metal Products Company |
| Mr. Milton M. Magnus III | CEO | M&B Metal Products Company |
| Kimars Mahmoodi | Vice President & General Manager - Davis Wire | Heico Wire Group |
| Mr. Jarrett Martin | President | MAR-MAC Industries, Inc. |
| Mr. John W. Martin III | CEO | MAR-MAC Industries, Inc. |
| Mr. John D. Meyer | Vice President Commercial, Rods & Wire | Leggett & Platt, Inc. |
| Mr. Ethan Moore | Quality Assurance | Oklahoma Steel & Wire Company, Inc. |
| Ms. Kathleen Moore | Vice President | Oklahoma Steel & Wire Company, Inc. |
| Ms. Cara Morrow | Senior Advisor, USTR | Office of the United States Trade Representative |
| Mr. Chris Motley | National Sales Manager-Trading | Intermetals LLC |
| Mr. Alex Nedergaard | Global Sourcing Director, Mild Steel | Lincoln Electric Company |
| Mr. Chad Novak | Senior National Sales Manager | EVRAZ North America |
| Ms. Heather E Outhuse | Associate Director | American Wire Producers Association |
| Mr. Martin J. Payton III | President | Precision Metal Services, Inc. |
| Mr. Nickolus R. Pigott | Vice President- Stainless & Nickel Alloys | Tri Star Metals LLC |
| Mr. Patricio Pimentel | Global Steel Sourcing Director | Heico Wire Group |
| Mr. Juan Antonio Reboulen | Institutional Relations & Trade Affairs | Deacero S.A.PI. de C.V. |
| Mr. Lou Richards | Vice President | Oklahoma Steel & Wire Company, Inc. |
| Ms. Jeynae Saillard | Meetings Manager | American Wire Producers Association |
| Mr. Richard D. Sarver | President | Paramount Die |
| Mr. Alan Schrofer | National Accounts Director | Liberty Steel USA |
| Mr. Eric Schuenemeyer | Vice President of Operations | Tokusen USA, Inc. |
| Mr. Nick Schultz | Commercial Director - Engineered Bar | Nucor |
| Mr. David Scribner | Purchasing | King Steel Corporation |
| Mr. Bill Sims | CEO | Accent Wire |
| Mr. Jeff Slater | Chief Business Development Officer | Fort Wayne Metals Research Products Corporation |
| Mr. Bryan Sullivan | VP of Steel Wire Solutions | Bekaert Corporation |
| Mr. Andy Talbot | Vice President / General Manager | Mid-South Wire Company |
| Ms. Nancy Taubensee | Vice President, Sales & Marketing | Taubensee Steel & Wire Company |
| Mr. Joshua Terwelp | Trading Manager | Tata International |
| Robert Tulloch | Territory Manager | Ivaco Rolling Mills Ltd. |
| Mr. Paul Vannini | Director of Operations - National Strand Products | Heico Wire Group |
| Mr. Fernando Villanueva | President & CEO | Mid Continent Steel and Wire Inc. |
| Mr. Frederick P. Waite | General Counsel | Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease, LLP |
| Mr. Kevin Walsh | Vice President Trading | Macsteel International USA Corporation |
| Mr. David J. Weinand | Executive Vice President | Oklahoma Steel & Wire Company, Inc. |
| Mr. Scott Weinberg | Purchasing Manager | Taubensee Steel & Wire Company |
| Ashleigh Wilson | Manager and Counsel, Federal Government Affairs | Nucor |
| Mr Kobus Wilson | Senior Vice President Trading | Macsteel International USA Corporation |
| Mr. H. O. Woltz III | President and CEO | Insteel Industries Inc. |
| Ms. Dana S. Wood | Director of Government Relations | Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP |
| Mr. James R. York | Senior VP | Insteel Industries Inc. |
| Ms. Kimberly Young | Counsel | Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease, LLP |