Final Thoughts

January 16, 2014

I was reading the most recent economic forecast from the Institute for Trend Research (ITR) on the plane to Chicago this morning. Their analysts have an interesting take on the 2014 economy and we will share portions of their views with you beginning with Sunday evening’s newsletter. One item that caught my eye is their suggestion that now is the time for company’s to hire and train employees in order to be prepared for the up cycle which they think will begin later this year and into 2015. Steel Market Update happens to agree and that is one of the reasons why we are producing the steel training workshops that we have and working on creating new ones. Now is the time to prepare yourselves and your team for a better (albeit competitive) market which will be here sooner than we all may realize.

Our Steel 101: Introduction to Steelmaking & Market Fundamentals workshop is an excellent program to send both new and experienced employees. We work on broadening their knowledge of not only how steel is made but, perhaps more importantly, how it is used. We discuss how steel is bought and sold and market forces which impact pricing and competition. You can find more details on our website or by contacting our office at: 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com. Next workshop is February 4 & 5, 2014 in Mobile, Alabama and includes a tour of the SSAB steel mill.

I am speaking at the AWMI dinner in Chicago this evening. A special thank you to the ladies of the AWMI for their invitation and the opportunity to speak to their group.

I will be in New York City next week for the AHR Expo – if you would like to speak to me during the show please drop me an email: John@SteelMarketUpdate.com and we will arrange a time to meet.

As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.