2019 AFS Government Affairs Fly-In

Fred Upton (R-MI) of the House Energy & Commerce Committee opened the Fly-In with a briefing on key metalcasting issues.

Stephen J. Claeys presents "Navigating the Trade Winds: Update on China Tariffs, Auto Tariffs, Mexico Tariffs & USMCA" to metalcasters at the Fly-In.

Catie Kawchak (National Association of Manufacturers) spoke on advocating for an infrastructure agenda at the Fly-In.

Erik Olson (Venn Strategies) presented to metalcasters about economic and security concerns over Chinese state-owned companies targeting US transit/rail systems.

Keynote speaker and political strategist Karl Rove gave an insightful luncheon address about metalcasters delivering strong messages on the importance of the industry to lawmakers.

Rachel Jones (National Association of Manufacturers) gave compelling insight on key EPA regulations facing metalcasters.

Brad Hammock, attorney and leader on OSHA issues, engaged with metalcasters on silica enforcement and other issues.

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) was awarded the Metalcasting Industry Congressional Champion Award for his commitment to supporting metalcasters.

Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) was recognized for his support of metalcasters with the Metalcasting Industry Congressional Champion Award. Pictured with Sandy Salisbury-Linton (Tonkawa Foundry) and other Oklahomans.

Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) reaffirmed metalcasters on the importance of face-to-face meetings before heading to Capitol Hill.

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) kicked off day two of the AFS Fly-In with a timely message for participants.

Zeydi Gutierrez of AFS Corporate Member AB&I Foundry met with a representative of Sen. Dianne Feinsten (D-CA) about workforce development for metalcasting.

Face-to-face meetings with members of Congress give metalcasters the opportunity to advocate for the industry. Pictured from left, are: Eric Meyers (Oil City Iron Works), Connie Chaplin (Oil City Iron Works) Owen Daniel (Midland manufacturing) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).

Pictured, from left, are: Owen Daniel (Midland Manufacturing) Lennon Martin (Denison Industries) Joshua Treadway (Riley Abrasives Inc.) Jared Willis (Efficiency Aggregators) Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), Eric Meyers (Oil City Iron Works) Connie Chaplin (Oil City Iron Works) Clifford Smith (Texas Cast Metals) and Ben Yates, American Foundry Society.

Tennessee members of AFS met with Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) about strengthening Buy American provisions. Pictured, from left, are: Erik Ellingson (Waupaca) Henry Lodge (Lodge Manufacturing) Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Darren Howard (American Colloid) and Stephanie Salmon, American Foundry Society.

Pictured, from left, are: Erik Ellingson (Waupaca) Henry Lodge (Lodge Manufacturing) Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Darren Howard (American Colloid) and Stephanie Salmon, American Foundry Society.

Ohio delegates at the AFS Fly-In met with Rep. Anthony Gonzalez's (R-OH) staff for a discussion about key issues facing the metalcasting industry. Pictured are: Mike Lenahan (KB Foundry Services) and Angela Dine Schmeisser (St. Marys Foundry).

Bill Gartland (Atlas Foundry) and Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN) at the AFS Fly-In.

AFS members from Indiana met with their representative to advocate for the economic strength of metalcasting. Pictured, from left, are: Jenny Loving, Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN), and Greg Loving (Rochester Metal Products). Photo credit: Jackie Walorski.

Pictured, from left, are: Jenny Loving, Greg Loving, Rochester Metal Products, and Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-2). Photo credit: Jackie Walorski.

Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH) meeting with Tom Crawford (McWane Ductile) at the AFS Fly-In.