Metalcasters of Minnesota discuss industry issues with U.S. Sen. Coleman.

Members of the Metalcasters of Minnesota met with U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) in January to discuss the current status and importance of the metalcasting industry in the U.S. During the meeting, the group detailed a number of concerns to the Senator, including:

* why manufacturing and the metalcasting industry are central to the future development of the U.S.;

* the importance of metalcasting as a vital link to national defense;

* the need to promote legislation that helps level the playing field and compete with emerging countries;

* the need to reform and simplify U.S. tax codes;

* the expansion of business/government partnerships to spur R&D, innovation, capital investment and productivity;

* a push for health care reforms through the passage of Association Health Plan legislation.

Metalcasters of Minnesota met with U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) in January. Pictured (from l to r) are Carter DeLaittre, Smith Foundry Co., Richard Roth, American Iron and Supply, Dave Nowak, Whirl-Air-Flow Corp., Tom Pulkrabek, I.R.B. Inc., Sen. Coleman, Neil Ahlstrom, Smith Foundry Co., Peter Ryan, St. Paul Brass and Aluminum Foundry Co., and Tom Woehlke, Americast Technogies-Prospect Foundry.

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