Economy

ASD Announces 2013 Steel Man of the Year: James Barnett
Written by Sandy Williams
January 7, 2014
ASD Press Release: CHICAGO — The Association of Steel Distributors (ASD) announces that James (Jim) Barnett, president of Grand Steel Products in Wixom, Mich., is the recipient of the industry’s highest honor, the Steel Man of the Year Award. This annual ASD award honors one individual who embodies leadership, dedication, service and excellence in the steel industry. Barnett will be officially recognized at a black-tie event taking place at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando, Fla., during the ASD Annual Convention held March 20-22.
“I am humbled and honored by receiving this award. It is so meaningful to me, being second-generation steel,” Barnett said. “Because of the high regard I have for both past and current members, as well as the accomplishments of the organization, I am especially honored to join the previous recipients of this award. As manufacturing in this country continues its comeback, I am proud to be involved in the distribution chain of the American-made product that has never gone away — U.S.-made steel and the products now made from it.”
Barnett began his career more than 45 years ago as a shop worker at Republic Steel Corporation. He worked summers interning for an import and export company in Belgium and Germany. After graduating from college, he worked in sales for several flat-rolled steel distributors in Detroit before starting a distributorship in partnership with his brother, Stuart. That company was sold to a large steel group after 20 years of steady growth. Jim then started Grand Steel Products in 1995 and has grown the company into a mid-sized steel distributor specializing in hot, cold, coated and flat-rolled steel products. Jim is the immediate past president of the ASD and is frequently quoted by national trade publications. He also serves on the board of his temple and various other charitable organizations.
ASD President Lisa Goldenberg said, “Jim Barnett has been a loyal supporter, friend, mentor, and advisor to not only me, and my career, but countless others in the steel industry. Those that are fortunate enough to interact with Jim learn more about themselves, their career, and most importantly, the level of leadership he possesses.”
Rudy Taylor, CEO of Detroit Steel Processing, was quoted as saying, “From Jim’s multigenerational involvement in the industry — from his father and now his son — his great service to and participation in ASD and his meticulous approach to satisfying customer requirements, make him a great choice for Steel Man of the Year.” (Source: ASD press release)
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy
US sets Section 232 tariffs on trucks and buses
Medium- and heavy-duty trucks (MHDV) and buses imported to the US will start being charged Section 232 tariffs beginning Nov. 1.
AMU: Consumer auto delinquencies: Warning sign for consumer health?
The Consumer Federation of America estimates rising total auto debt at a staggering $1.66 trillion, along with increasing repossessions and a sharp increase in delinquencies.
Beige Book: Regional market growth remains mostly flat
Economic growth in some US regions in September was offset by challenges in others, causing the market to appear largely unchanged overall, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book report.
ISM September survey captures deepening manufacturing gloom
The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) latest monthly report on manufacturing reflects a bleak view of American industry in September.
Key industries concerned over government shutdown’s impact on steel, manufacturing
Trade groups cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could strain US industry.
