At the Annual Meeting, the General Sessions are the place to hear the latest information from experts on the industry. Here’s who you will hear from this year.
Workforce, Lobbying and Manufacturing Day – Carolyn Lee, NAM’s Manufacturing Institute
One of the top issues facing the wire industry and manufacturing across the country is finding and keeping workers, as boomers retire and companies learn about integrating millennials in your workforce. Each year the National Association of Manufacturing helps organize events nationwide to promote the manufacturing industry. On Manufacturing Day, manufacturing facilities around the country open their doors to their local communities – to students, politicians, and neighbors – to develop positive relationships and encourage support for the industry. Come hear about the benefits of this event, how your company can participate, and the many resources available to assist you in promoting it.
Economic Outlook – Clare Zempel, Zempel Strategic
Economic indicators continue to improve: the employment market continues to tighten, economic growth continues its slow, steady rise. Is it time to relax? What may affect the economy in the coming year? We’ll hear from economist Clare Zempel, a perennial AWPA favorite, about what to watch for as we head into 2018.
International Trade and the Wire Industry– Johannes Moenius, University of Redlands
It is an incredibly complicated time for manufacturing, and especially the Steel wire Industry. As the economy becomes increasingly global, pressures are shifting. Come get an update on the current state of the global wire trade, and see where we stand. We’ll have new statistical data from experts you won’t want to miss.
Mergers and Acquisitions: What You Need to Know – John O. Johnson, The Spartan Group
There is always a lot of activity in mergers and acquisitions in the industry. Is your company looking to expand through an acquisition? Are you considering a sale, perhaps due to retirement? Come hear an expert with rod, wire and wire products industry experience discuss the issues involved with M & A, and get the inside scoop.
Legislative and Election Update – Janet Kopenhaver, AWPA Director of Government Relations
In February, the first year of the Trump administration will be over, and attention will turn to the 2018 mid-term elections. Janet Kopenhaver, AWPA Director of Government Affairs, will brief you on developments in the 115th Congress, as well as what action to expect from Congress and the administration in 2018. What will the mid-term elections in November look like? What issues will be on the forefront, and what strategies will AWPA pursue to have an impact on Capitol Hill? We’ll have the details.
AWPA Priorities and Insights from Leadership in the Wire Industry
Kimberly Korbel, AWPA Executive Director, has been conducting a listening tour of the Primary Representatives of the Active Member companies. These are the individuals who represent the US wire companies that are the voting members of the association. After in-depth conversations with these industry leaders, Kimberly will present a summary of her findings. What are the issues of the day and what is in the forefront of challenges facing companies and the industry?