AFS Trade Commission gone, not forgotten as fight continues in Washington.

American Foundry Society (AFS) officers decided that the AFS Trade Commission (AFSTC) should be melded into the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) following the 110th Metalcasting Congress. A consensus also was reached that the AFSTC members who were not part of the GAC should become members and carry on the industry's important work regarding trade issues, along with other priority concerns.

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect back on the efforts of the AFSTC and some of the challenges still facing the metalcasting industry.

The dynamics that gave rise to this special commission have not significantly changed and may be even more challenging as we go forward. Our inability to get a resolution for our concerns by going directly to our leaders in Washington has been very frustrating, and all of our efforts have led to little significant recognition or change in the government's free trade policy or agenda. However, we have been able to raise the level of awareness and have a published document (Section 332, May 2005) for our members and leaders to reference as we go forward with our quest for a level playing field. We also have identified those areas that can be used as focus points for future action. Along with these efforts, we must recognize and accept the state of the global economy in which we all compete for market share. Our future is dependant on business plans that reflect this reality as we move into the century of globalization.

For us to facilitate any kind of significant change, two things must happen. First, we must realign our business model to reflect the environment in which we are competing. Second, we must involve our people and work, from the grass roots up, to influence our senators and representatives. It is important that we energize our members and raise their awareness of the impact they can have on their state and district leaders. We must invite our legislators to our plants and offices and educate our industry leaders to make them ambassadors for change.

I would like to thank the many people that have put in countless hours of effort since 2002 and put us in a position where we can now go forward with facts and a program that can facilitate positive change. Special thanks go to the AFSTC members who worked so hard with me, the AFS staff--both in Schaumburg and Washington--and to the metalcasting industry, which supported these efforts with time and money and gave me the opportunity and privilege to be part of this very important commission.

CHUCK KURTTI

ASF TRADE COMMISION

VICE PRESIDENT (RETIRED)

NEENAH FOUNDRY Co.