The American Foundry Society (AFS) presented Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA), and Reps. Bob Gibbs (R-OH) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI) with the Metalcasting Industry Eagle Award during the industry’s Government Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. This award is presented annually to lawmakers who support Congressional policies that enhance the ability of U.S. metalcasters to innovate, create jobs and fight back against burdensome and costly regulations that hurt the industry.
“Metalcasters are great advocates for themselves, but we can’t go it alone,” said Doug Kurkul, AFS CEO. “It is critical for the metalcasting industry to have these policy makers in our corner fighting for our industry when it matters most.”
Over 65 metalcasters from around the country participated in the annual AFS Government Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., on May 18-19 to learn about the critical legislative and regulatory issues facing the industry and then take metalcasting’s message to Capitol Hill. In total, metalcasters participated in more than 90 meetings with Congressional offices across 19 states, detailing the industry’s position on key issues.
“Now is as an important time as ever to be heard and represented on Capitol Hill,” said Doug Kurkul, AFS CEO. “Metalcasting and manufacturing in general is at a critical juncture and we need our voices heard loud and clear.”
The conference keynote speaker was Charlie Cook, who analyzed the 2016 presidential election and the current political climate. Cook is one of the nation’s leading authorities on U.S. elections and American political trends and has been featured on the ABC, CBS, and NBC evening news programs.
Additional presenters included:
To review issue briefs, presentations and industry priority issues covered at the 2016 GAC, visit www.afsinc.org/GAC.
The American Foundry Society is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1896. With its headquarters in Schaumburg, Ill., AFS provides members and consumers with information and services to promote and strengthen the metalcasting industry.
Left to right, Doug Kurkul, AFS CEO, Jeff Cook, AFS President, Eagle Alloy, U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and AFS Vice President, Patricio Gil, Blackhawk De Mexico
Left to right, Chuck Julian, City Aluminum Foundry, Jeff Cook, AFS President, Eagle Alloy, U.S. Rep. Huizenga (R-MI), Tom Teske, EJ USA, Dan Oman, Haley & Aldrich and Mike Lenahan, Fairmount Santrol, are pictured as Rep. Bill Huizenga accepts the Eagle Award.
Russ Murray (left), Ohio Cast Metals Association, presents U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH) with the Metalcasting Eagle Award.