Gov. Ridge Declares April 1-7 as Metals and Materials Week.

Business Editors

MATERIALS PARK, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2001

Recognizing the contribution of thousands of Pennsylvanians who work for the technical advancement of metals and materials science and engineering, and to further its progression, Gov. Tom Ridge has issued a proclamation declaring April 1-7 as "Metals and Materials Week."

In issuing the proclamation, Gov. Ridge demonstrates a keen understanding of the critical role metals and materials have played in the advancement of society.

"The movement `from stone age to the space age' has been facilitated by many dedicated scientists and engineers who have worked to improve metals and materials, the process by which they are produced, and the products in which they are consumed," the Governor's proclamation declares.

As part of his overall view of the importance of the week, Gov. Ridge -- a Distinguished Life Member of ASM International, the 43,000-member materials information society -- urges an outreach effort to increase interest among high school and early college students to examine careers in metallurgy and materials science.

Increasing public awareness of the need to attract more bright, young minds into these professions has always been a goal of Ash Khare, FASM, the immediate past president of ASM International. Mr. Khare, who is employed with National Forge in Warren, Pa., is general chairman of the effort that led to Gov. Ridge's proclamation.

"As we track the progress of our civilization starting with the Agricultural Revolution and carrying over to the Industrial Revolution, metals and materials have participated and fueled that success," Mr. Khare said.

Historically, ASM's mission of collection and dissemination of technical information as well as providing a forum for exchange of ideas has always placed the society in the eye of the storm of each of those revolutions, Mr. Khare asserted.

"Whether it is information on the production of a can of soup for an elementary school child's lunch, or the production and launch of a space shuttle, or even mining of the deep seas," Mr. Khare said. "ASM has always been on the frontiers to fulfill the need for technical information.

"Now, as we become immersed in the Information Revolution, metals and materials are again playing a vital role."

ASM chapters throughout Pennsylvania will be recognizing "Metals and Materials Week" through efforts that include planning special events in association with local high schools, as well as, collegiate chapters of ASM; offering plant tours; conducting visits to universities; and meeting with local media representatives to talk about the contributions that the metals and materials professions make to the advancement of our culture.

Working closely with Mr. Khare on the successful effort in Pennsylvania also were 2000-2001 ASM President Aziz Asphahani, FASM; and Lyle Schwartz, FASM, president, Federation of Engineering Materials Societies (FEMS).

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