A shared interest group from the American Foundry Society committed to nurturing emerging metalcasting leaders has officially announced its new identity as AFS Young Professionals.
Formerly known as Future Leaders of Metalcasting, the new name widens the group’s scope by recognizing that many young AFS members are already leaders but would still benefit from the networking and other activities that come with participation in AFS Young Professionals. The group supports industry professionals aged 20 to 45 who work in, or who are on the path toward, managerial roles within their organizations.
“Over the years, I have seen the success and growth of FLM (Future Leaders of Metalcasting), but there are still many young individuals in the metalcasting industry who are not participating. Changing to AFS Young Professionals opens the door to others in the industry to participate in the events,” said Jordan Brown (BCI Solutions), who chairs the group. “Additionally, this allows the name to be synonymous with the world, as there is foundry YPP (Young Professionals Program), down to the local chamber of commerce groups that have young professional groups. Personally, and as a shared interest group, we are all excited to see the continued growth of Young Professionals and creating the future in the metalcasting industry.”
The rebranding was unveiled at the group’s annual meeting on Oct. 25 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, which consisted of leadership workshops, two foundry tours, and networking events, as well as the presentation of the Sinto-AFS Young Professionals Education Scholarship to Dakota Carter of Trine University. Participants also led a hands-on Foundry-in-a-Box demonstration for elementary students at St. Paul's Lutheran School in Sheboygan.
In addition to their annual meeting, AFS Young Professionals also holds other events dedicated to executive skill development and community outreach, making it pivotal to the development of leaders within the metalcasting supply chain.
The group invites new members to participate in AFS Young Professionals. To join, you must be an AFS member in good standing between the ages of 20 and 45 and receive approval from your employer. To become part of the Young Pros community, or to find out how your employees could benefit from participation, email Cathy Potts, AFS Senior Director of Human Resources & Administrative Services, at cpotts@afsinc.org.
The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $48 billion metalcasting industry. AFS is the only association serving the entire industry, including all metals and processes, with a three-part focus on advocacy, education, and innovation. AFS also publishes Modern Casting and Casting Source magazines and presents Metalcasting Congress and CastExpo, the largest metalcasting trade events in North America. Founded in 1896, the organization is based in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an advocacy office in Washington, D.C. More information is available at AFSinc.org.