by Emily Bardach, Director of Meetings & Membership
This year's Interwire show was held from Monday, May 12 through Thursday, May 15 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Although foot traffic in the halls was considerably lower compared to past years, most exhibitors agreed that they had obtained some good, solid leads. The AWPA had a booth which was staffed not only by AWPA staffers, but also by many association members who graciously volunteered their time. Attendance at the show may have been down, but AWPA members made the most of their time in Atlanta. On Monday, the Westin Peachtree Plaza was host to two AWPA committee meetings: Operations Steering Committee and the Government Relations Advisory Committee. On Tuesday, over a delicious breakfast of warm apple crêpes at the Westin Peachtree Plaza, AWPA members listened to remarks by Mr. Philip Casey, President and CEO of Gerdau Ameristeel. Mr. Casey commented on the condition of the steel industry and also gave some insight on free trade saying, "Free trade is a utopia that will never occur." Although it was a full house, attendees were still able to engage in a lively question and answer session. To view Mr. Casey's presentation, please visit: All in all, Interwire was a successful show. Exhibitors and attendees alike are looking forward to their next meeting at Wire Expo 2004 in Cleveland, Ohio. Stainless Wire Rod from India - Final Results The US Department of Commerce announced the final results of its administrative review of the antidumping order against stainless steel wire rod from India. The review covers three Indian producers/exporters - The Viraj Group, Ltd.; Panchmahal Steel Ltd.; and Mukand Ltd. - during the period from December 1, 2000 through November 30, 2001. The Department has calculated the following weighted-average dumping margins: • The Viraj Group, Ltd. - 3.25% • Panchmahal Steel Ltd. - 48.80% • Mukand Ltd. - 26.38% These margins compare with the previous dumping duty deposit rates of 0.73% for the Viraj Group, Ltd. and 0.00% for Panchmahal Steel Ltd. and Makand Ltd. Any entries that were made during the period of review will be assessed dumping duties at these rates. AWPA Seeks EAS Members We are seeking AWPA member company representatives whose responsibilities includes safety, health, and environmental issues to serve on the Environmental Affairs Subcommittee (EAS) of the Operations Managers Committee. EAS members assist AWPA in developing and implementing its regulatory program. Most recently, EAS members successfully fought an Effluent Limitations Guidelines proposed rule that would have cost our industry over $20 million in compliance costs. EAS members review comments, participate in conference calls and meetings when needed, help structure the association's regulatory program, and swap intelligence on important regulations having an impact on wire and wire product manufacturers. If you are interested in joining this subcommittee, please contact AWPA's office.
 American Wire Producers Association |
