MEMBER Connections Spring 2017 NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR AFS MEMBERS AND CHAPTERS

Inside Countdown to Milwaukee: Reshoring Initiative From Your CEO 2 Founder Harry Moser to Keynote Congress AFS News 3 Reshoring Initiative® founder AFS Committees 4 Harry Moser will deliver the New Corporate Members 5 Keynote Address at the Met- AFS Education 6 & 11 alcasting Congress on April 25 in Milwaukee. Metalcasting Congress 8 “Moser’s visionary work has AFS Chapter Q & A 9 not only helped many compa- AFS Advocacy 7 & 10 nies document the economic advantages of reshoring, but Upcoming Events Backpage also led to his induction into the Industry Week Manufac- turing Hall of Fame,” said Doug Join our private professional social Kurkul, the CEO of AFS. network for all AFS individual members The mission of the Reshoring Initiative is to bring back good, well-paying manufacturing jobs by assisting CastingConnection companies to more accurately assess the total cost of offshoring. The Initiative helps companies shift their

Download our App collective thinking from “offshoring is cheaper” to “local production reduces the total cost of ownership.” Metalcasting Newsstand “Metalcasting is an exceptionally important industry,” Moser said. “I worked for six years for DISAMATIC

Like us on Facebook U.S., and my father ran the foundry at Singer Sewing Machine’s main plant in New Jersey, so I am quite American Foundry familiar with the metalcasting industry.” Society

Join the Discussion Continued on page 8 Foundry and Diecaster Network Senior Leadership Team Brings

Follow us on Twitter @AmerFoundrySoc Strong Commitment to AFS Members AFS Chief Executive Officer Doug Kurkul leads a capable senior leadership team that isdeeply committed to the future of the metalcasting industry and the success of AFS members. Kurkul, who reports to the AFS board of directors, provides strategic and operational leadership for the organization. He joined the society in January 2016 and immediately embarked on an aggressive travel schedule to meet AFS members across North America and beyond. Kurkul implemented a reor- ganization in the summer of 2016 that reduced the number of direct reports to the CEO from 11 to 7, streamlined management, and better aligned staffing with the organizational structure. He promoted three existing employees onto the senior management team, and hired one more from the outside. Kurkul brings 30 years of business-advocacy and government-relations experience. After earning a bach- elor’s degree in business management and political science from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio, he earned a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from American University in Washington, D.C. He launched his career as a Presidential Management Fellow at the Small Business Administration and a Reagan administration political appointee at the U.S. Department of Energy in the nation’s capital. He went on to become vice president of marketing & member communications at the 14,000-member National As- www.afsinc.org sociation of Manufacturers (NAM) and edit the award-winning Leadership for Manufacturers magazine. He later led prominent business advocacy and economic development groups in Nevada and Texas, achieving 1 success in policy advocacy, business attraction, and AFSmembership Member growth. Connections • Spring 2017 Continued on page 3 From Your CEO Four Ways to Develop Your Workforce in 2017 Over the past several months, is best for your employees in 2017. I have spoken with countless Research by the Society for Hu- metalcasters, suppliers and end- man Resource Management says users of castings. Most of these employees value the flexibility business leaders are seeing some that e-learning provides. All of the improvement in sales and in Institute’s training is interactive price quotes. If the trend holds and engaging, including the online up, 2017 will be a better year offerings, unlike the old-fashioned than a 2016 that was challenging AFS CEO Doug Kurkul has been visiting with AFS members across lecture hall education. This makes for many companies. the country. Here, he meets with Anthony Ortega, Chris Norch and e-learning a learning method that With orders starting to rise, Josh James of Denison Industries, in Denison, Texas. connects with today’s learners coupled with higher business and and their learning styles. consumer confidence, now is the time for all A number of industry representatives As demand for our products increases, industry stakeholders—suppliers, purchasers, have told me that they need to upgrade will our workers be ready to deliver? Trained and metalcasters—to assess the skill levels of their workers’ skill levels, but have re- employees are better prepared to be pro- their workforce. duced travel budgets. For such compa- ductive, right now and in the future, and Innovations in manufacturing pro- nies, three other Institute education- of to help you meet your customers’ expecta- cesses require new worker skills to en- ferings are making a world of difference: tions. The Institute can make a positive -dif sure you are competitive. For you and • In-Plant Training. We will deliver ference for you. Please contact us today. We your employees, continuing education is training in your own facility for your look forward to working with you. one reliable way to keep up with cutting- company only. It provides a great edge ideas and new technologies that opportunity for employees to gain stimulate manufacturing improvement. skills about their specific jobs and 2016-17 AFS Officers

The AFS Institute offers four types of tal- particular plant, right on site. This President ent development and can help you assess training is conducted during business Jeff Cook, Eagle Alloy, Inc. Vice President what training your employees truly need. hours, and the AFS trainers come to Patricio Gil, Blackhawk de Mexico • Classroom Courses: All of the AFS In- you. No travel is required for your 2nd Vice President stitute’s classroom courses have been workers. Contact Shelly Dutler at Jean Bye, Dotson Iron Castings Immediate Past President completely revamped in recent years. [email protected] for details. Bruce W. Dienst, Simpson Technologies Corp. The curriculum is now presented in an • Chapter Training. If several compa- interactive format that engages your nies in your region seek training lo- AFS Senior Staff Leaders employees’ minds, so they come back to cally, AFS can provide chapter-spon- the plant ready to immediately put what sored training, as well. CEO Doug Kurkul, [email protected] they learned to work. The classroom • E-Learning. There is also no travel re- Vice President Technology course calendar website has a new look quired for online training, and the ad- Zayna Connor, [email protected] vantages of online training should be Vice President IT & Operations and feel, which you can peruse at www. Mike Lakas, [email protected] afsinc.org/IC_BasicMetalcasting.cfm. evaluated as you consider what training Vice President Marketing & Communications Richard Jefferson, [email protected] Director of Membership Services Doug Kurkul Leo Baran, [email protected] Director of Finance & Accounting Kris Drager, [email protected]

Director of Education CEO Shelly Dutler, [email protected] American Foundry Society Director of Human Resources & Administrative [email protected] Services Cathy Potts, [email protected]

2 AFS Member Connections • Spring 2017 AFS Senior Leadership Team Brings Strong Commitment to AFS Members Continued from page 1 Zayna Connor, PhD, serves as vice presi- degree in material science and engineer- ginning to modernize the organization’s dent of technical services. Connor earned ing from the Illinois Institute of Technology, technology functions and instituting an her doctorate in materials science and and a bachelor’s of science degree from the internal Kaizen team. He was promoted engineering from Northwestern Univer- University of Northern Iowa. Before join- to vice president of IT and operations sity and her bachelor’s of science degree ing AFS, she worked for Magma and John last September. In his expanded role, he in Metallurgical Engineering from the Mis- Deere. Dutler is overseeing the expansion of heads up not only the IT function, but souri University of Science & Technology . the AFS Institute programs in e-learning, in- also conference management, customer Before joining AFS in March 2016, she en- plant training, and classroom experiences. service, and building operations. Before joyed a distinguished career joining AFS in 2014, Mike held with Caterpillar, working in IT roles at a medical society the U.S. as well as numerous and at the University of Illinois countries worldwide. Ear- (Chicago). He holds an MBA lier, she worked for Pechiney and a bachelor’s of science and Alcan, both of which are degree from that institution. now Rio Tinto Alcan. Connor Cathy Potts joined AFS in was also a NSF Research Fel- 2015 and was promoted to low and an Amelia Earhart director of human resources Fellow at Northwestern. and administrative services last Since joining AFS, Con- year. In addition to administer- nor has focused on maxi- ing all HR functions, she pro- mizing the influence of vides administrative support to association-directed re- the CEO, staffs the Human Re- search on the metalcast- sources Committee, and is the ing industry. Zayna and Senior Staff Leaders: top row, Mike Lakas, Shelly Dutler, Cathy Potts and staff co-liaison to the Future Rich Jefferson. Bottom row: Zayna Connor, Doug Kurkul and Kris Drager. her team are focused Leaders in Metalcasting group. on superior service to Her extensive experience in- members. They are actively involved Richard Jefferson joined AFS as vice cludes 16 years at Navistar in the human in continuous improvement of the AFS president for marketing & communica- resources function and involvement in technical committees. tions in January 2017. He brings exten- global recruiting and staffing, organiza- Kris Drager, the longest-serving member sive marketing and management experi- tional development and training, employ- of the senior leadership team, joined AFS in ence with the Association of Equipment ee relations and compensation. 1979. She is director of finance & accounting, Manufacturers, CONEXPO-CON/AGG, A search is underway for one addi- leads a three-person team, and oversees the and the Association of Equipment Man- tional position, which will head up busi- financial well-being of AFS and the Institute agement Professionals. He also was a ness development, to round out the se- with an eye for detail. She has also played a Bush (43) Administration appointee at nior leadership team. key role in past years in the success of AFS’s the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He “The metalcasting industry is changing at trade shows as exhibits director of CastExpo has master’s degrees in public policy and a rapid pace, and AFS is committed to help- and the annual Metalcasting Congress. communications and a bachelor’s in Eng- ing lead the industry through those chang- Shelly Dutler, who joined AFS in 2014, lish literature. In his role, he staffs the es,” Kurkul said. “The board, senior staff was promoted to director of education in AFS Marketing Committee and oversees leadership and the entire professional staff September 2016. She combines a passion editorial, website and social media con- are committed to delivering a strong ROI to for metalcasting with a deep commitment tent, as well as branding and marketing. our members, and fostering a stronger met- to innovation, continuous improvement, Mike Lakas joined AFS in 2014 and alcasting industry through advocacy, educa- and member service. She has a master’s made immediate contributions by be- tion and innovation.” AFS Member Connections • Spring 2017 3 AFS Committees Committee Involvement Adds Value to Your Membership Why does a business leader like you membership. By participating in a com- standard, environmental health and value your membership in AFS? mittee, you can be directly involved with safety issues, additive manufacturing, You value being a key part of the AFS the movers and shakers directing all of human resources and marketing. community, a group that has been fo- these great association services. AFS committees develop the technical cused on the innovations and health of As a committee member, you are: program for the annual AFS Metalcasting metalcasting for more than 100 years. • In the vanguard for reviewing indus- Congress and develop and implement With AFS magazines Modern Castingand try trends. seminars, workshops and conferences Metal Casting Design & Purchasing, you can • Ahead of the curve in assessing on a variety of topics. count on increasing your industry knowl- and guiding relevant technological, The Government Affairs committee is a edge base. And it does not matter what kind research and management issues. key player in developing the AFS advocacy of stakeholder you are, whether you are a • Playing a role in planning and ex- agenda. AFS assists with our advocacy ef- metalcaster, supplier, buyer, designer, part ecuting technology and information forts by becoming a technical resource on specifier, student, or professor. transfer to AFS member companies. key legislative proposals, guidance docu- You know the face-to-face networking • Positioned to be one of the first to ments and rulemakings. For example, AFS at AFS events is invaluable for keeping hear about innovative technolo- committee members have provided tech- your business on the cutting edge. AFS gies coming online in metalcasting. nical input to EPA and OSHA on various has great events like CastExpo, the Met- Candor and open discussion about tech- issues that directly impact the foundry alcasting Congress, the Supply Chain and nical issues and management issues make industry. That covers the silica regulations, Supplier Summits, and more. AFS committees unique. In committee interpretation of various standards, and And you just never know who you’re meetings, metalcasting stakeholders tackle use of copper alloy casting use in potable going to meet and what you’re going to thorny issues together. And working togeth- water applications. learn at an AFS event. er builds and strengthens our industry. At this moment, AFS committees are AFS offers great value in education. The leading metalcasting research considering alternatives to silica sand With AFS’ extensive technical offerings and development occurs in the context because of the new rule. and the Institute, you have a panoply of of AFS technical committees. In light of this, now is the time to be educational choices. And, with the Insti- The AFS committee structure is - or sure to at least join the Government Affairs tute’s e-Learning program, you can learn ganized to provide focused attention to Committee in Washington for face-to-face anytime and anywhere you have a laptop specific industry segments. These in- meetings with your elected representa- and an internet connection. clude metals, casting processes, plant tives at the June 20-21 Fly-In. AFS is active And there is the opportunity to join operations and management, environ- on Capitol Hill year-round, but at the Fly-In your voice with others, presenting a uni- mental health and safety, advocacy, mar- you will have the opportunity to talk di- fied business front to Washington policy keting, government affairs, technological rectly to Congress yourself. makers who need to understand the nega- innovations, and research. If you are an AFS member, you can tive influence of too much regulation. The AFS Research Board evaluates pro- participate with an AFS committee. These are all excellent reasons for be- posals for funding and provides feedback Some of the management committees ing an active member of AFS. to the sponsoring technical committees. have a fixed number of seats, so you’ll However, there is another power- In recent months, committees have want to get in touch with us today. ful way to get even more from your AFS produced conferences on the new silica Be sure to look for the featured com- mittee in each new issue ofModern Cast- Richard Jefferson ing. AFS committees are a great resource for you and your company. Don’t leave this resource untapped. For more information or to attend Vice President a meeting, call the Technical Depart- Marketing & Communcations ment at 800-537-4237 x246 or contact American Foundry Society [email protected] AFS Technical Assistant Laura Kasch at [email protected]. 4 AFS Member Connections • Spring 2017 New AFS Corporate Members

Flow Sciences Inc. Customized Energy Solutions

AnyCasting Software Green Packaging Inc.

Lou-Rich

Dewys Engineering Michigan Pneumatic Tool

Oxford Instruments Solid Thinking

Striko Westofen

Tooling & Equipment International

Webster Wear-Tek

AFS Releases Silica Compliance Seminar Video AFS is making available the proceedings ance Seminar held in January and contain how to develop a written compliance from a specialized training workshop that more than seven hours of material covering control program. provides the tools metalcasters need to nav- the new regulations on respirable silica dust. AFS provides the seminar as a resource igate OSHA’s respirable silica rule. The seminar provides details on the to help metalcasters comply with the new The presentations, given by silica and new law, measurement requirements, regulations. To purchase the video, visit regulatory experts, come in an adapted sampling methodology, regulated areas, the online AFS store at afsinc.org or call recording of the two-day AFS Silica Compli- medical surveillance, respirators, and Laura Kasch, 847/824-0181, ext. 246. AFS Member Connections • Spring 2017 5 AFS Education

Comprehensive Onboarding: Strategy Checklist Does your company use an effective more than an introduction of co-workers onboarding plan for executive and profes- and filling out benefits forms. Consider sional hires? In a recent survey of over the following when building your orienta- 100 C-Suite executives from middle mar- tion plan: ket companies, 62% responded they don’t • Who will greet the new hire at the have an effective plan for onboarding. door? Companies with an onboarding • Expand the workspace orientation strategy make an investment in engag- to a work site orientation. ing new hires at the very beginning of • Give the new hire an in-depth ori- the employee lifecycle, sometimes well entation to the company’s mission, before their first day on the job. vision, values and history. What is onboarding? It is simply a • Prepare your team and set expecta- process to assist the transition of new tions and key points to drive home. employees into an organization. • Key Initiatives and goal setting The basic orientation process is critical should be the first priority since John D. Liacone, Managing Director, The to creating a good first impression. How- that knowledge lays the founda- Overture Group. ever, orientation is only the beginning of tion. Establishing goals and involv- a comprehensive onboarding plan. True ing the new hire in heading up key processes that are critical to the onboarding extends well beyond the first initiatives is important. company and more importantly to day: the entire first year of employment • Discuss specific department or job- this person’s role. is an opportunity to educate the new specific goals within the first 30 days. • Strategic business plan and hire and ensure that he or she has the • Discuss specific major initiatives relevant document review for ex- resources and knowledge necessary to the new hire will lead. ecutive new hires with one of the be a valuable, long-term team member. • Link the goals to the new hire’s senior executives is critical. Other Benefits of Onboarding: incentive compensation program External Relationship Building– • Helps make new employees feel as appropriate. Focus on key external relationships welcome. After orientation, next up is internal that the organization has or should • Accelerates a new employees con- relationship building: have that are relevant to the new tribution and productivity. • More in-depth meetings to famil- hire’s positon. • New employees have better alignment iarize the new hire with executives Mutual Feedback Session: Plan a three between what they do and what the and key people from other depart- to six month feedback session for new hire professional and executive roles. A mutual ments, including their roles, needs, organization needs them to do. feedback session has several benefits: • Reduces the risk of turnover. and functions. • New managers/executives have the At a minimum, an onboarding • One-on-one small group explana- “eyes and ears” of an outside consul- plan is designed to acclimate new tions of manager’s or executive’s tant and their insights can be valuable. employees to the company and its insights on the company, its culture • These insights are beneficial to culture, introduce them to their and relevant operating practices. the company by improving upon employee benefits, and prepare • Work group orientation focus- their strengths and making the them for productivity starting ing on the department and the company better. from day one. But a more a more people the new hire will most • Demonstrates what they have comprehensive onboarding plan closely work. Organize one-on- learned about the business as well doesn’t stop there it also addresses, one meetings with the objective as what they still need to learn (in orientation; key initiatives; internal of understanding each other’s some cases). relationship building and systems, respective roles in the company. This column was provided to Member and process understanding. Systems and Process Understanding Connections by The Overture Group A master orientation plan includes • Train the new hire on systems and Search and Compensation Consulting. 6 AFS Member Connections • Spring 2017 AdvocacyAFS Advocacy News

Metalcasters to Make Voices Heard in D.C. at Government Affairs Fly-In in June

The AFS Government Affairs Fly-In, and administration officials. You don’t June 20-21, is the premier legislative con- want to miss this event!” ference for metalcasters to gather as an Fly-In attendees will gain unique in- industry and speak with one voice in the sights to the new Washington environ- nation’s capital about the need for public ment from keynote speaker and highly policies conducive to a strong manufac- accomplished journalist Stephen Hayes, turing economy. FOX News, and other expert speakers. “For the first time in almost a de- Hayes is an Editor at The Weekly cade, we have a great opportunity to Standard and a FOX News contributor, work with an administration that is very where he is a regular member of the pro-manufacturing and pro- "Made in “FOX News All-Stars" on the network's America," said Brad Muller, Charlotte signature news broadcast, Special Re- Pipe and Foundry, AFS Government Af- port with Bret Baier. fairs Chairman. "They will be focusing Hayes is also the author of two on tax and regulatory changes that will New York Times best sellers: "The 2017 Fly-In Keynote Speaker Stephen make metalcasting much more compet- Connection: How al Qaeda’s Collabo- Hayes. itive. The AFS Government Affairs Fly- ration with Saddam Hussein Has En- In provides a unique opportunity for dangered America" and "Cheney: The erful and Controversial Vice Presi- metalcasters to speak to our lawmakers Untold Story of America’s Most Pow- dent." His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washing- ton Post, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Reason, National Re- view and many other publications. Participants at this year’s confer- ence will take part in issue briefings on June 20 and be provided with position papers and talking points on current is- sues. That evening, attendees will en- joy a Welcome Reception at the presti- gious Capitol Hill Club. On June 21, a member of Congress will give attendees an inside perspective on the latest happenings, followed by a full day of face-to-face meetings with law- makers and their staff on Capitol Hill. “This is a rare opportunity to gather the industry in Washington, D.C. and take an active role in the policy-mak- ing process,” said Doug Kurkul, AFS CEO. “This is a direct line to contrib- ute to the success of the metalcast- ing industry.” Register for the Fly-In at afsinc.org/flyin. AFS Member Connections • Spring 2017 7 AFS Advocacy Countdown to Milwaukee: Reshoring Initiative Founder Harry Moser to Keynote Congress

Continued from page 1 Moser also was president and chair- to 4:45 p.m., he will lead a workshop on and workshop materials. Please notify man of high-end machine tool supplier quantifying domestic sourcing’s financial Diane Waligurski at dwaligurski@afsinc. GF AgieCharmilles. He is frequently quot- benefit for companies or their custom- org of your plans to attend. ed in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and ers. “We helped a Chicago-area contract Learn more about Metalcasting Congress USA Today and has appeared on Fox Busi- manufacturer save a $60 million order at MetalcastingCongress.com, where you ness, MarketWatch and PBS. He earned versus a lower-price Chinese competi- can find other highlights of the Hoyt Lecture, an MS in engineering at MIT and an MBA tor,” Moser said. The goal of the work- to be delivered by Douglas Trinowski, HA In- at the University of Chicago. shop is to train AFS members to achieve ternational, as well as numerous technical Moser will deliver the Keynote Ad- similar results. The workshop is included and management sessions, AFS Institute dress from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on with Congress registration, but advance courses, supplier exhibits, and the Cast in April 25. Later that day, from 3:15 p.m. registration is requested to ensure a seat North America exhibit.

The Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee will be home to the 2017 Metalcasting Congress. 2017 Keynote Speaker Harry Moser.

AFS Member Services at Congress Visit the AFS HUB and take advantage of great AFS member services: • Talk with AFS membership director Leo Baran about all levels of membership and AFS products and services. • Demo AFS’ social network Casting- Connection. • See the AFS Institute course offerings and test drive an eLearning module. • Attend a town hall meeting hosted by AFS President Jeff Cook. Makerspace • Make your own casting. • Check out AFS’s new 3-D printer as it operates during show floor hours, printing a sample of the pattern used in the make-your-own casting demo. Over 200 exhibitors will be featured on the show floor for the 2017 Metalcasting Con- gress.

8 AFS Member Connections • Spring 2017 AFS Chapter Highlight: Wisconsin Chapter Shines at Regional

More than 700 metalcasting professionals Stateline. With a 79-year history of Wisconsin Re- attended the 2017 Wisconsin Regional held Feb- gionals, we are guided by history and traditions, ruary 8-10 in Milwaukee. Throughout the year, but we continually try to improve it. The regional AFS chapters hold regional conferences to con- conference chair, Rick Yrigoyen of Foundry Prod- nect their local metalcasting communities. For ucts, Inc., put together a great Regional Planning 79 years, the AFS Wisconsin Chapter, along with Committee. Last year we had moved the Regional Northeastern Wisconsin and Stateline Chapters, to a beautiful new venue with many amenities have been bringing together metalcasters from and it was a smashing success. We returned this around their state to connect and strengthen year, making changes to our format based on Milwaukee Mayor, Tom Barrett, speaks their community of metalcasters. at the Wisconsin Regional. feedback, and our attendance numbers and- ex “The AFS Chapters in Wisconsin are just one hibitor participation were up. We are evaluating example of success in the AFS Chapter system,” feedback so we can improve it further next year. said Leo Baran, AFS director of membership. “They have found a MC: What is your favorite part of running an AFS chapter? formula with the right group of volunteers from across their state to DS: When I joined AFS nearly 20 years ago, I was told by a chap- bring consistent success to their chapters and regionals.” ter leader that foundry people are the “salt of the earth.” He was Member Connections caught up with Wisconsin Chapter right. This industry is full of genuine people, and I have made so president, Doug Sawyer, vice president Universal Welding and many friends through my involvement with AFS. Personally I enjoy Engineering, after the February regional for a chapter check-in. my leadership role in the chapter because it’s a bit like running a Member Connections: What’s the key to running a suc- small business. This is made more challenging and interesting by the cessful AFS chapter? Doug Sawyer: First of all, as an officer, reality that everyone who is involved is a volunteer. you hope your predecessor hands you the keys to an already MC: What is the hardest part of getting members involved? well-running chapter. Our chapter has long-standing traditions DS: It takes an investment of time to be involved with AFS. That which include: written by-laws (published in our annual direc- could mean a couple hours to attend a chapter meeting or more tory), clear roles of the officers and board of directors, and a time during a year to become a committee member or chapter lead- functioning committee structure. er. There is a very personal return on that investment of time. I be- The real key is having involved and committed people doing lieve the greatest challenge is reaching members in a way that helps their best to make the chapter successful. them realize the benefits of an investment of their time with AFS. MC: What made this year’s regional such a success? MC: What advice can your offer other AFS chapters to expand DS: We strive to present a very professional conference with a participation? large expo, timely and highly relevant technical sessions, interest- DS: Make it personal. Our world is more electronically con- ing featured speakers and an invitational casting competition. We nected than ever, however, it’s not enough to just have an updat- recognize the incredible value of networking and have created a ed chapter website or even well-constructed email messages to very healthy social or fellowship aspect to our conference, too. members. I believe the key to greater membership involvement is The Wisconsin Regional is developed and presented by to find ways to connect on a more personal level. three AFS chapters: Wisconsin, Northeastern Wisconsin and

1st Place ($2,500) winners of the 4th Annual Wisconsin Regional Wisconsin Chapter President Doug Sawyer (left) and AFS CEO Invitational Casting Competition were Muskegon Community Col- Doug Kurkul. lege students: Left to right: Tyler Carr, Lori Stone and Brad Cook.

AFS Member Connections • Spring 2017 9 AFS Advocacy

AFS Highlights Regulations That Hinder Metalcasters

Unnecessarily burdensome regula- larly vexing for foundries included: • Ozone NAAQS Rule from October 2015 tions place metalcasters of all sizes at • OSHA’s Crystalline Silica Rule and Clean The letter highlighted how in recent a competitive disadvantage with our Power Plan Rule. years, the scope and complexity of fed- global counterparts. In February, AFS de- • Iron and Steel Foundry National eral rules have made it harder to do livered a letter to key members of Con- Emissions. business and compete. As a result, met- gress outlining some of the industry’s • Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; alcasters are extremely sensitive to regu- top burdensome rules. In particular, the • Startup, Shutdown and Malfunction latory measures that rely on inadequate burden of environmental regulation falls Provisions. benefit and cost justifications. AFS will disproportionately on manufacturers, • Stormwater Management Program; be sharing the list of rules with policy- and it is heaviest on small manufacturers • PM 2.5 National Ambient Air Quality makers and government leaders and because their compliance costs often are Standards Rule. looks forward to working together to not affected by economies of scale. • Expansion of Clean Water Act turn obstacles into opportunities during The list of regulations that are particu- Jurisdiction. the new Administration and Congress.

AFS Supports Congressional Resolution to Overturn OSHA Recordkeeping Rule

AFS joined over 70 trade associations the agency in a case called Volks. The ries, to citations for paperwork violations, in a coalition letter supporting a resolu- court found the agency did not have the while doing nothing to improve worker tion that would nullify an Occupational authority to issue citations to employers health and safety. Chairman of the House Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for recordkeeping violations older than Education and Workforce Subcommittee rule, finalized in December, that said six months. The agency "clarified" the ex- on Workforce Protections, Bradley Bryne employers were liable for any failure to isting law to say that it could do that. In (R-Alabama), introduced a resolution of record any workplace injury or illness in spite of the court’s 2012 decision, OSHA disapproval, H. J. Res 83, under the Con- the previous five years, not six months as went on to introduce this new record- gressional Review Act to overturn the rule. was the previous standard. keeping rule which went into effect in If the resolution passes the House and The OSHA rulemaking was in response January. The Volks Rule will subject mil- Senate and is signed by President Trump, to a 2012 D.C. District Court ruling against lions of small businesses, including found- the rule will be overturned.

AFS Requests Research Proposals to Reduce Silica Exposure

AFS is soliciting research proposals alcasting industry must also begin actively areas of metalcasting operations. aimed at reducing exposure to respirable planning compliance strategy to be ready Research proposals for potential crystalline silica through the development for the rules. As part of this strategy, a new suppressants, procedures and devices of silica suppressant materials and process- AFS ad hoc committee has been formed to will be accepted. Send proposals to AFS es in critical areas of metalcasting facilities. look at the impact of the new silica rule on Senior Technical Director Steve Robison The new regulations for silica sand re- foundries and the supply chain. at [email protected]. For further infor- spirable dust in U.S. foundries take effect in This new committee is soliciting pro- mation or questions, call Robison at summer 2018. While AFS is pursuing a legal posals to develop materials and process- 847-824-0181 x227. challenge to the new silica rules, the met- es for suppression of silica dust in critical Proposals are due by April 15, 2017.

10 AFS Member Connections • Spring 2017 AFS Education

FEF and AFS Collaborating for Future of Industry The Foundry Education- al Foundation (FEF) held its annual College Industry Conference (CIC) on No- vember 17-18 in Chicago, featuring 101 student del- egates representing 27 FEF certified and affiliated schools. The event includ- ed more than 200 industry leaders from across the U.S. who gathered to meet with aspiring metalcasting students. Recipients of the 2016 CIC Scholarships award in November, 2016 in Chicago. “We see a renewed na- tional push for skilled labor in Washington, which is exciting for the from around the country at the 2016 CIC. tions participate in one another’s board of country and the industry,” said Brian AFS CEO Doug Kurkul presented one of directors meetings. AFS provides visibility to Lewis, FEF Executive Director. “FEF (and those scholarships to Pennsylvania State FEF through industry chapter and student AFS) have strived for decades to connect student Steven Richards, on behalf of meetings as well as AFS communications. students to a professional path within AFS and Modern Casting The two organizations share information, metalcasting and the CIC is one example FEF was established in 1947 and is a and encourage students to join Future Lead- of how we can bridge students to a path separate organization from AFS, with its ers in Metalcasting when they graduate and in metalcasting.” own board of directors. AFS and FEF col- enter the industry. FEF handed out more than $75,000 laborate extensively on numerous levels. Visit FEFinc.org to see a full list of 2016 FEF worth of scholarships to 32 students FEF leases space from AFS. Both organiza- scholarship recipients and other FEF news.

Metalcasting Introduced to Fifth and Sixth Grade Girls On February 4, 250 fifth and alcasting facility, AFS gave a sixth-grade girls were given a Make-Your-Own-Casting dem- metalcasting presentation as onstration to the participants. part of Illinois High School Dis- Each participant got to pour trict 211’s annual GEMS (Girls their own metal part to take in Engineering, Math and Sci- home as a keepsake from their ence) Conference. experience. The goal of GEMS events Six AFS employees—Sue is to boost girls enthusiasm Thomas, Laura Kasch, Katie about careers in those fields Matticks, Shelly Dutler, Pam and introduce them to female Lasilla and Jennifer Mor- role models from the different ton—all helped facilitate the industries at a younger age. demonstrations at the 2017 To demonstrate the basic GEMS conference at James B. concepts of metalcasting and Conant High School, (Hoffman what takes place in a met- Estates, Illinois). AFS Member Connections • Spring 2017 11 PRESORTED 1695 N. Penny Lane STANDARD Schaumburg, IL 60173-4555 US POSTAGE PAID www.afsinc.org WHEELING, IL PERMIT #38

Upcoming AFS Events Member Connections Staff

April 25-27 • 121st Metalcasting Congress • Milwaukee Marketing and Communications Specialist April 26 • Future Leaders of Metalcasting Meeting at Congress • Milwaukee Kevin Bartholomae, [email protected] April 27 • Silica Exposure Control Workshop • Milwaukee Graphic Artist May 9-10 • Practical Cupola: Design, Refractory, Charge Material & Operation Workshop Mike Berrafato, • Charlotte, North Carolina [email protected] June 20-21 • 2017 Government Affairs Fly-In • Washington, D.C.

Upcoming Institute Courses

April 5-6 • Aluminum Metallurgy 201 • Schaumburg, Illinois

April 25-27 • AFS Institute Courses at Metalcasting Congress • Milwaukee

May 2-3 • Casting Defect Analysis • Chattanooga, Tennessee

May 17-19 • Hands-On Intro to Metalcasting • Pittsburg, Kansas Published by AFS, Schaumburg, Ill., Member Connections is a newsletter for all May 24-25 • Design & Optimization for 3-D Sand Printing • Leetonia, Ohio current AFS members. Send all inquiries to Kevin Bartholomae at [email protected] June 6-7 • Aluminum Melting 201 • Platteville, Wisconsin or 847/824-0181 ext. 245. June 13 • Steel 101 • Schaumburg, Illinois For more information on upcoming courses and events, visit www.afsinc.org/events.

Advocate. Educate. Innovate. 12 AFS Member Connections • Spring 2017