PROGRAM

The members of the American Wire Producers Association (AWPA) will gather at the Sheraton El Conquistador Resort & Country Club in Tucson, Arizona, February 24 - 27, Sunday through Wednesday for the 2002 Annual Meeting. The meeting will consist of General Sessions, Committee, Board and Business meetings, and occasions to enjoy the reunion of friends and colleagues.

The AWPA website at www.awpa.org is your source for the latest information about this year's annual meeting. Once you are at the website, click on the Calendar of Events and the 2002 Annual Meeting. You will find a brief description of the meeting, a schedule of events, and biographies of the speakers as they are confirmed. Additional information will be added as we move closer to the dates of the meeting.

GENERAL SESSIONS

During this past year, AWPA members were bombarded with a host of trade cases - from antidumping and countervailing duty investigations to a massive Steel Section 201 case, and mid-point review of the TRQ program, including the possible inclusion of Canada and Mexico. By the time of the Annual Meeting, many of these cases will be resolved. However, the ramifications and effects of all these cases will have just begun. In addition, trade remedy laws are being discussed at the upcoming WTO negotiations, Congress is expected to review these laws, and the Administration is moving ahead with its multilateral steel negotiations to solve the problems of market distorting subsidies and overcapacity - all of which will have an impact on the domestic wire industry.

Learn from a reputed economist, Administration officials, and a Customs expert what to expect in 2002. In order to prepare for the future, the information provided in the AWPA General Sessions will be timely and of great importance to your future business decisions.

On the political front, Senator John McCain (R-AZ), a member of the important Commerce Committee, has been invited to address the AWPA members. Learn firsthand what kind of hearings can be expected in the Congress on the international trade and economic fronts, including possible actions on trade law reform. Following the legislative briefing, attendees will hear from a high-level Administration official who will give an update on the multilateral steel negotiations and the activities within the WTO round on market access.

The global economic outlook is a very important topic for AWPA members, and especially this year. Already confirmed is a prominent economist - Gary Shilling - who will give his views on the current economic climate, and what we can expect for 2002, both here in the US, and internationally. A poll conducted by Institutional Investor magazine twice ranked Gary Shilling as Wall Street's top economist. Futures magazine also ranked him the country's number one Commodity Trading Advisor. Dr. Shilling has been a Forbes columnist since 1983, and his articles appear in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and other well-known publications.

Continuing our tradition, three to four wire rod suppliers will make presentations on the capabilities, capital improvements and quality and productivity advances at their mill or mills. Learn from your suppliers what they can provide you in the coming year.

Finally, due to the revision in the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) program covering imports of carbon wire rod, we plan to arrange for a speaker from the US Customs Steel Monitoring Center (SMC) to talk about the nuts and bolts of the revised program. The SMC is responsible for monitoring steel imports; conducting research on steel import patterns; enforcing import laws relating to steel; and handling collection of dumping and countervailing duties involving steel mill products. Specifically, the speaker will address how the country- and region-specific program will work.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committee meetings will be held Monday morning and are the forum where activities and programs are planned and issues of concern are discussed. Please note the Membership committee meeting will take place on Sunday afternoon from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. All members and potential members are welcome and encouraged at the Membership, Stainless, Nails, Strand and Garment Hangers committee meetings. Attendance at the Executive and Government Relations Advisory Committees and the Board of Directors meeting is limited to the designated committee members. See the preliminary program for dates and times.

BUSINESS MEETINGS

Active and Associate Business Meetings are also an important component of the Annual meeting, and are the venue of the official business of the Association. 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. Included in this discussion will be how to respond to the many trade challenges affecting domestic wire companies. We will also consider various strategies that can be employed to influence the trade debate both legislatively and with the Administration in the months ahead.

The Associate Members will also be discussing trade developments, activities of the AWPA and how to be actively involved in the Association programs.

SPORTS TOURNAMENTS

Golf Tournament - Monday, February 25 - 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm
The resort offers 45 holes of championship golf. The AWPA golf tournament will be held at the El Conquistador Country Club located just 10 minutes from the resort. The Conquistador Course is a championship golf course designed by architect Greg Nash featuring spectacular views of the Catalina Mountains. The course rating is 72.7 and offers this to the serious golfer…

"Placement of tee shot is essential. Course is narrow and demands accurate shots with both irons and woods. Mutual shelfed greens can take the ball away from pins (or off the green). Out of bounds, lateral hazards and pot bunkers are located throughout the course."

The hotel will provide transportation, club handling and storage, if you choose to check your clubs with the bellman upon arrival. For those of you would prefer to hang on to your clubs, there will be space available on the van to transfer clubs to the course.

The tournament fee is $120 per person, which must be paid in advance. The fee includes green fees, a cart and tournament coordination. AWPA will provide a box lunch and sponsor drink carts on the course. The format is a scramble with a shotgun start. On your registration form, please indicate handicaps for you and your spouse/guest, if s/he will be participating in the tournament. Foursomes will be arranged, based on your handicap. If you need rental clubs, be sure to indicate if right or left-handed clubs will be needed. The rental fees are $25 for clubs and $10 for shoes. Prizes will be awarded to the top member and spouse foursomes and special prizes will be given at designated holes.

For the Avid Golfer - Tuesday, February 26
If you would like to arrange for play on Tuesday afternoon, we have scheduled tee times for your use at the Canada Course starting at 12:30 pm. The hotel offers a complimentary 10-passenger van that departs from the hotel lobby every half hour for the club. To reserve your foursome, please contact the golf pro at 520-544-1961 and tell them you are with the AWPA. The cost is $109 per person which includes greens fees and cart rental. They will be pleased to reserve other tee times, upon request. For a quick nine, golfers can walk out the front door of the resort and step onto a tee at the Pusch Ridge Course, which surrounds the resort. Fees range from $44 for 9 holes and $64 for 18 holes. The Tucson Golf Academy is located on property.

Tennis Tournament - Monday, February 25 - 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
The tennis tournament will take place after lunch on Monday, beginning at 1:30 pm. A Round Robin Mixed Doubles format will provide members and spouses or guests with a fun and exciting afternoon of competitive play. Proper tennis attire is required along with soled tennis shoes. Prizes will be awarded in several categories. The tournament fee is $50 per person and must be paid in advance. Rackets are available for rental at $4.50 per day.

WESTERN RODEO ROUND-UP

This year's theme party will be a western ho-down so get ready to "kick up your heels" and have some fun! Pack your cowboy boots and hats for an evening of line dancing, rope tricks and plenty of games to keep you on your feet all night. There will be something for everyone….

FREE TIME

The El Conquistador Country Club offers seven racquetball courts with racquet rentals available. Basketball, volleyball, water volleyball and mountain bike rentals are also available. Two complete fitness facilities include a gym with free weights, cardio equipment, spa, sauna, exercise classes, aqua aerobics, fitness evaluations and nutritional counseling. Four swimming pools and five spas are located at the resort and country club. Hiking and jogging paths surround the resort. Jeep tours, Hot Air Balloon tours and Horseback riding are also quite popular among visitors.

SPOUSE/GUEST PROGRAM

Spouse Hospitality - Monday, February 25 - 10:00 am to 11:30 am
All spouses and guests are encouraged to participate in a short hospitality event on Sunday afternoon to renew acquaintances and meet and welcome new participants. A hotel staff person will tell you about the hotel amenities and local destinations you may want to visit during your stay.

Spouse Tour - Tuesday, February 26 - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and Old Town Artisans Shopping
The first part of the day you will spend at the desert museum described as a renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place. Explore the desert paths and you're sure to encounter Gila monsters, hummingbirds, boojums, and much more amidst the beautiful Tucson Mountains.

The next stop is El Presidio's Historic District where you'll have lunch and enjoy a unique experience known as Old Town Artisans. Housed within the 150-year-old restored adobe buildings are 7 distinctive shops and galleries. Featuring both contemporary and traditional art and fine crafts, there are literally hundreds of local and national artists represented. You'll find exquisite hand-crafted jewelry, pottery and clay art, home furnishings and accessories, glass art, metals work, paintings and prints, tribal masks, hand-woven Native American baskets and rugs, imports from Central and South American cultures and much more.

The fee for the tour and lunch is $72 per person. For planning purposes it is important that you pre-register. As always, the spouse program is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Tucson and the company of friends.

Spa Services at the Country Club
The Sheraton El Conquistador Resort and Country Club has increased the variety of services offered by its Fitness Center Spa. Their services include a number of popular massage techniques, body wraps and spa packages. European and paraffin facial therapies, manicures and pedicures are available through Alta Moda Salon. Appointments and information are available by calling the Sheraton El Conquistador Fitness Center at (520) 544-1260 or Alta Moda Salon at (520) 544-1221.

MEETING REGISTRATION & FEES

The registration fee covers all business and social functions on the program. Your spouse or companion is invited, at no charge, to attend as a guest of the Association and is welcome and encouraged to attend all AWPA functions. Please be sure to include the home address information for your spouse or guest.

Please complete one registration form for each attendee. Mail the registration form along with payment to the address listed on the bottom of the form or register quick and easily online at www.awpa.org/calendar.cfm to receive further discounted rates. The early bird registration fee for the 2002 AWPA Annual Meeting is $XXX (online $815 ) per attendee for registrations received by January 25, 2002. After this date, late registration is $XXX (online $865 ). Everyone who has registered by the 25th will be included on a pre-registration list which will be posted on the AWPA website.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Your hotel reservations should be made directly by calling the Sheraton El Conquistador at 520-544-1150. To secure the discounted room rate, please make your reservation no later than January 25, 2002. The special meeting rates are available for standard sleeping rooms at $249 per night, for both single and double occupancy and are good for three days prior and three days after the dates of our meeting. Suites are also available; please contact the Sheraton El Conquistador for prices. The hotel is a popular winter resort, so room availability cannot be guaranteed after January 25th.

Reservations must be secured by deposit using credit card, check or money order equal to one night's room rate plus tax, at the time of the reservation. Please do not send hotel deposits to AWPA with your meeting registration.

CANCELLATIONS

Meeting registrations cancelled in writing (fax or email), by February 1, 2002 are entitled to a full refund. Cancellations after February 1st are non-refundable.

Hotel reservation deposits are refundable if the hotel receives notice 7 days prior to scheduled arrival and a cancellation number is obtained. One night's room and tax will be charged for cancellations made within 7 days of arrival or no shows.

TRANSPORTATION

Airport Shuttle
Arizona Stagecoach shuttle is located curbside, outside the airport entrance. If the shuttle is not there, proceed to the Arizona Stagecoach boarding area for transportation. Available 24 hours a day, the shuttle leaves the airport every 15 minutes and may make up to three stops prior to arriving at the Sheraton El Conquistador. The cost is $28 each way.

Car Rental
The AWPA has contracted with Budget Rent a Car for travel to and from the Tuscan International Airport. All cars have unlimited mileage with the exception of convertibles and full size vans. The rates do not include optional coverage's, taxes, surcharges or refueling options. All drivers must be 25 years of age or older, possess a valid drivers license and a major credit card. For reservations and information, please call the Budget Reservation Department toll free at 800/279-3734. Identify yourself as an American Wire Producers Association attendee and provide the Z184 Rate Code. The convention rates are as follows:

Program

Saturday, February 23, 2002

Sunday, February 24, 2002

Monday, February 25, 2002

Tuesday, February 26, 2002

Wednesday, February 27, 2002

Speaker Biographies

Tuesday, February 26, 2002

Stephen Claeys Chief of Staff The Office of Assistant Secretary for Import Administration U.S. Department of Commerce

Mr. Stephen Claeys is Chief of Staff for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Import Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce. He is responsible for advising the Assistant Secretary for Import Administration on issues related to the implementation of unfair U.S. trade laws, as well as on U.S. trade policy concerning steel, multilateral trade agreements and other areas. Before joining the U.S. Department of Commerce in July, 2001, Mr. Claeys was counsel in the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, and was an associate in the law firm of Rogers & Wells. While at both firms, Mr. Claeys advised various governments and companies from around the world on U.S. trade issues and represented them before U.S. agencies and courts. He also advised the George W. Bush for President Campaign on trade issues. Mr. Claeys received his law degree from Northwestern University and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Tuesday, February 26, 2002

Susan Dyszel International Trade Officer U.S. Customs Service Strategic Trade Center

Susan Dyszel is the International Trade Officer of the US Customs Service Strategic Trade Center (STC) in Chicago. She is the Technical Director of STC's analytical research work to monitor and improve trade compliance in the High Risk Trade Issues of Steel and Canadian Softwood Lumber. In October 1999, the Chicago STC was formally commissioned as the Steel Monitoring Center as part of the White House Steel Action Plan of August 1999. The Steel Monitoring Center's charter includes monitoring Steel imports, working with Customs ports, the Importing Trade Community to improve trade compliance, and analyzing Steel Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duty cases to detect and solve compliance issues. The Steel Monitoring Center has had the responsibility to track and report the imports of Steel Wire Rod and Line Pipe covered by the February 2000 Tariff Rate Quotas. Susan Dyszel's Powerpoint Presenation

Wednesday, February 27, 2002

Dr. A. Gary Shilling Economist A. Gary Shilling & Co., Inc.

Dr. Shilling is President of A. Gary Shilling & Co., Inc. In addition to his forecasting record, his portfolio management, and his column for Forbes (click for forbes columns), which he has written since 1983, he is also known for his well-received books concerning economic themes and investment strategies, and for his numerous articles on the business outlook and techniques of economic analysis and forecasting. He is a member of The Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Japan Economic Journal) Board of Economists. He appears frequently on radio and television business shows. Recognized as an effective and dynamic speaker, he often addresses national and international conventions of various business groups, including the Young Presidents' Organization. Before establishing his own firm in 1978, Dr. Shilling was Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of White, Weld & Co., Inc. Earlier he set up the Economics Department at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith at age 29 and served as the firm's first chief economist. Prior to Merrill Lynch, he was with Standard Oil Co. (NJ)--now Exxon-- where he was in charge of U.S. and Canadian economic analysis and forecasting. Dr. Shilling is well known for his forecasting record. In the spring of 1969, he was among the few who correctly saw that a recession would start late in that year. In 1973, he stood almost alone in forecasting that the world was entering a massive inventory-building spree to be followed by the first major worldwide recession since the 1930s. In the late 1970s, when most thought that raging inflation would last forever, he was the first to predict that the changing political mood of the country would lead to an end of severe inflation, as well as to potentially serious financial and economic readjustment problems, and a shift in investment strategy from one favoring tangible assets to emphasis on stocks and bonds. Subsequently, he has become known as "Dr. Disinflation." Dr. Shilling received his bachelor's degree in physics, magna cum laude, from Amherst College, where he was also elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. He earned his master's degree and Ph.D in economics at Stanford University. Dr. Shilling is on the Board of Directors of National Life of Vermont, the Heartland Group of mutual funds, Palm Harbor Homes and the Episcopal Preaching Foundation, Inc. of which he is Chairman. He is also an Advisory Director of Austin Trust Co.

Tuesday, February 27, 2002

Marco Talluri Executive Vice President Lucchini USA Inc.

Marco Talluri has been Executive Vice President of Lucchini USA Inc. since January 2000. He was responsible for the set up of the company prior to its inception. Marco was Marketing Manager of Francosteel Corp. Magona USA division from September 1997 through December 1999, supervising the market development of Gruppo Lucchini flat products in the US market. Prior to that he held various positions directly or indirectly with Gruppo Lucchini both in Italy and in the US. Marco holds a "Laurea di Dottore in Economia e Commercio" from the University of Florence, Italy. Lucchini USA Inc. - Gruppo Lucchini Established in January 2000, Lucchini USA Inc. is the sole distributor for the United States of products manufactured by Gruppo Lucchini in Italy, France and Poland. Sales of Lucchini USA Inc. include wire rod, hot rolled bar, cold finished bar, rail, wheels and axles, slabs and billets destined to a wide array of markets including: Mining, Fasteners and Bearing. The operations of Gruppo Lucchini began soon after World War II, when Luigi Lucchini started his first rolling mill in Casto, a small town close to the current headquarters of the group in Brescia, Italy. Mr. Lucchini, currently honorary chairman of the group, soon began to expand his operations with acquisitions of other steel mills. The key dates of Gruppo Lucchini's growth by acquisition are: 1992 when the acquisition of Acciaierie e Ferriere di Piombino positioned Gruppo Lucchini as the leading Italian manufacturer of long products with a total annual output of 3.5 Million MTPA, and 1999 when the acquisition of Ascometal SA positioned Gruppo Lucchini as the leading European manufacturer of long products with an output of 5 Million MTPA. Today the product range of Gruppo Lucchini includes, Hot Rolled Bar, Cold Finished Bar, RCS, Rod, Wire, Rail, Wheels, Axles, Wheelsets, Castings and Forgings. View the Lucchini Company Powerpoint Presentation   Charter Steel Powerpoint Presenation

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