Complementing the AWPA Gala celebration were a host of knowledgeable and energetic speakers who discussed politics, economics, websites and rod supplier companies.
Returning to the AWPA stage was political pundit Charlie Cook who gave his views on the new Congress and Administration. He described four lessons learned during the last election cycle: 1) the country is evenly split
down the middle, even though the election itself was very partisan; 2) voters really did not want that much change; 3) there is a growing divide in the US separating us by cultural issues (such as gun control and abortion), with cities and rural America moving further apart, and suburbs moving
more towards the center; and 4) the personality of the candidates was much more important this election.
Charlie foresees a productive Congress over the next couple of months, with the Bush education plan going through and some type of tax cut getting approved. He also predicted that 2000 was the last year for punch cards, but it is not the end of the Electoral College.
As for 2002, historically the majority party loses seats during mid-term elections. However, Charlie believes that 2002 will prove to be an anomaly
with the retention of the 50-50 split in the Senate and not much change in the House.
Another returning and welcomed speaker was Nancy Sidhu, Senior Economist with the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. Her overall prediction was that while the economy has been sliding lately, we should start to see some relief and a slight recovery within the next six months or so.
Explaining the recent downturn, she cited the significant decline in consumer spending, resulting in production cuts among manufacturers and excess inventory. Consumer spending has also been impacted by the incremental increase in
the unemployment rate. However, in the second half of the year, the excess inventory will disappear and production will start going back up. Additionally, she does not foresee a collapse in consumer spending.
Nancy also forecasted that labor costs (which account for 2/3 of business expenses) will continue to rise ? primarily due to rising health care costs and higher benefits. As for the government, she predicted that the revenue levels will decrease because corporate profits are going down and more employees are being laid off - both of which affect the total taxes paid to the federal government.
Continuing the annual meeting trend of rod supplier presentations, three companies were given time to describe their companies' products and services. Hendrik Noth, ISPAT North America, Tom Keller, Macsteel, and David Cheek,
Keystone Steel & Wire all made extremely informative presentations on their companies and the latest technologies and multi-faceted products offered by each.
Rounding out the program was Kimberly Korbel, AWPA's Executive Director, who demonstrated the latest features and services provided by the association's website. Now www.awpa.org is a one-stop shop for finding member companies, individual representatives, statistics, minutes, events and much more for the AWPA members only.
Annual Meeting Photos
Attendees catch up at an AWPA reception.
Political consultant Charlie Cook talks about recent election.
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American Wire Producers Association
801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 211
Alexandria, VA 22314-1757
Tel (703) 299-4434 | Fax (703) 299-9233 | E-mail info@awpa.org | Web: www.awpa.org
