SFSA celebrates 100th anniversary, discusses future of industry at annual meeting. (Metalcasting Associations).

The Steel Founders Society of America (SFSA) celebrated its 100 yr anniversary at its annual meeting September 22-25 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Mickey Beyersdorfer, Sawbrook Steel Castings Co., Cincinnati, current SFSA president, spoke at the conference about the challenges that the industry has faced over the last century. "We survived the great depression, World War II and the severe contraction of the 1980s, and we will survive these difficult times as well."

"SFSA is working to provide the technology and processes we need for the prosperity of our industry," Beyersdorfer said. "We are also active in developing new markets like the building construction industry to help the growth of our industry."

At the conference, SFSA also established a foundation that endows an internship for students that work in the industry, awarding a $5000 scholarship after successful completion. The foundation was conceived by Bob Schumo, Smith Engineering Co., Hamburg, Pennsylvania, past president of SFSA.

Marlin Fitzwater was featured as the conference's keynote speaker and discussed his experiences working in the Reagan and Bush administration and his new position as consultant for the television show, The West Wing.

Martin Regalia, vice president and chief economist with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C., offered an economic outlook. Regalia projected modest growth in 2003, tempered by uncertainty over the possible war, rising levels of personal debt and a lack of capital investment.

Pat Comparin, Sivyer Steel Corp., gave the SFSA 2003 Market Forecast, projecting an increase of 9% in market demand for steel castings.

Following the presentations, the SFSA presented awards. Steve Schwarz, PBWT, received the Thomas E. Barlow Award and Scott Holman, Bay Cast, Inc., received the Frederick A. Lorenz Medal. Martin Regalia also received special recognition for his contributions to SFSA.