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 Policices 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) |
| Wednesday. 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 | |
| 8:30 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 | |
| 8:30 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 07/15/2024.
| Attendee Name | Title | Company |
| Mr. George Antonopoulos | Chief Financial Manager | Tri Star Metals LLC |
| Mr. Jordi Barrenechea | CEO | WMC |
| 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 |
| Mr. Mike Carroll | Vice President Supply Chain | Accent Wire |
| Mr. Jon Cornelius | President | Sumiden Wire Products Corporation |
| Mrs. Nancy Davies | Chief Operating Officer | Tree Island Steel |
| Mr. Scott Dillaha | Director, Wire Rod Sales | ArcelorMittal Long Products |
| Mr. Tim Dillon | Sr. VP Sales and Marketing | Liberty Steel USA |
| 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. Sebastian Frey | VP Long Products | Tata International |
| Netzer Hernandez | Regional Sales Rep | Optimus Steel LLC |
| Mr. Mark Jacinto | Sales Manager Wire Road | Optimus Steel LLC |
| Mr. John T. Johnson Jr. | President | Mid-South Wire Company |
| Mr. Simon Jones | Operations Coordinator | WCJ Pilgrim Wire |
| Mr. Brian Killam | Sales Manager - Western Division | Gerard Daniel Worldwide |
| Mr. Christopher Lam | Regional Sales Rep | Optimus Steel LLC |
| Mr. Jack Leffler | VP Commercial | Liberty Wire Johnstown |
| Mr. Milton M. Magnus III | CEO | M&B Metal Products Company |
| 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. Nickolus R. Pigott | Vice President- Stainless & Nickel Alloys | Tri Star Metals LLC |
| Mr. Patricio Pimentel | Global Steel Sourcing Director | Heico Wire Group |
| Mr. Lou Richards | Vice President | Oklahoma Steel & Wire Company, Inc. |
| Mr. Richard D. Sarver | President | Paramount Die |
| Ms. Nancy Taubensee | Vice President, Sales & Marketing | Taubensee Steel & Wire Company |
| Mr. Kevin Walsh | Vice President Trading | Macsteel International USA Corporation |
| Mr. H. O. Woltz III | President and CEO | Insteel Industries Inc. |
| Mr. James R. York | Senior VP | Insteel Industries Inc. |