Join Us for the AWPA Annual MeetingThis year, the AWPA will head to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona where the unique combination of the nostalgic old west and the sophisticated new west continue to attract people from around the world. Come join your colleagues in Scottsdale for the 2005 AWPA Annual Meeting. Attendees will gather at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa on January 30 through February 2, 2005 for the Annual Meeting that will consist of General Sessions, Committee, Board and Business meetings, and opportunities to meet with friends and business colleagues. Our program this year will include a reprise of a panel of rod suppliers and wire producers which was so well received last year. Executives from a wire company, a US rod mill, and a trading company will provide insight for all into the current rod market where unusual supply and demand issues continue to face the industry. Also on the agenda is China. Many wire sectors are affected by growing imports of finished products from this giant on the international trade front. At the same time, Chinese rod mills are supplying much needed rod to the US and the world. The international trade debate about the state of the Chinese currency and its banking system is heated and ongoing. The sleeping giant is awakening, and yet, how much do we know and understand about the Chinese culture and the way they do business? AWPA will provide an expert on some aspects of China: its culture, business practices, and steel industry. We will also hear from an economist on the overall economic picture and trends we might see during 2005. Expect to find out how much the economy will improve; what markets will see the most positive changes; and how to best plan for the future. The economist will also provide specific insight into the steel industry from a global point of view. Finally, while we have already seen numerous changes in the top officials of the Bush Administration, there are more to come. Learn from AWPA's Director of Government Affairs Janet Kopenhaver about these new leaders and how they might affect trade policy in Bush's second term. She will also provide a sneak preview of the potential trade agenda for the new Congress. But this event is not only about meetings! Also planned is a Harley Davidson Blowout dinner and theme party where all will be dressed up as bikers. Prizes will be awarded for the best "King of the Road" and "Harley Diva." Plus, there will be golf, tennis and fly fishing tournaments for the sportsmen and women. Scottsdale is an oasis for world class golf, fine art, an endless array of shopping and dining, as well as outdoor adventure. The hotel is just 10 minutes from historic downtown Scottsdale which offers boutiques, museums and unique places to dine. Across the street from the hotel is a 38-acre "urban village" called the Kierland Commons which features shopping, restaurants and nightspots. So, visit the AWPA website www.apwa.org and register today for our Annual Meeting. It is an event you will not want to miss!
 American Wire Producers Association |
