Steel Products

One Week Left to Submit Your Nominees for the SMU NexGen Award
Written by Brett Linton
July 22, 2020
The Aug. 1 deadline is just about a week away to nominate the young up-and-comers in your organization for the second annual SMU NexGen Leadership Award, sponsored by the Steel Manufacturers Association. As an added incentive, qualifying nominees will be given free admission to this year’s SMU Steel Summit Virtual Conference. The award is designed to recognize and celebrate the excellence of emerging leaders within the greater steel community.
The winner will also receive:
- A mentorship day with Chuck Schmitt, President of SSAB Americas;
- A free place at one of the SMU Steel Workshops;
- And a free place at the 2021 SMU Steel Summit.
- Recognition at the 2020 Steel Summit Conference
- Article about the winner in SMU newsletter
So why wait? Reward your young talent by nominating them today
Nominating is easy. Simply complete a Word document defining what distinguishes the nominee as a NextGen leader, and upload it here.
What makes a great nomination?
Nominations should give clear examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence and leadership. All nominations will be judged on the following criteria and only those nominations that give solid examples of the below will be considered “Qualifying Nominations”:
Innovation:
- Identified ways to improve processes or service delivery
- Implemented change in a creative manner
Leadership:
- Inspired and encouraged professional and personal development in self and others
- Contributed to the success of an initiative that benefited those outside his/her own department
- Assisted in attracting other young people into the industry
Rising Star:
- Recognized by peers as a positive force within the company
- Outstanding contributions toward completing a successful project and/or a change management program
After watching the process this past year we found companies that provide details of accomplishments are received the best. Also, you can self-nominate (don’t be bashful). At least one of our finalists last year was from a self-nomination.
This is a great opportunity to shine the light on the hard work of the people in your organization and celebrate it with the greater steel industry.
Give your staff the recognition they deserve and nominate now.

Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Steel Products

September energy market update
In this Premium analysis we examine North American oil and natural gas prices, drill rig activity, and crude oil stock levels through September. Trends in energy prices and rig counts serve as leading indicators for oil country tubular goods (OCTG) and line pipe demand.

Market says cutting interest rates will spur stalled domestic plate demand
Market sources say demand for domestic plate refuses to budge despite stagnating prices.

U.S. Steel to halt slab conversion at Granite City Works
U.S. Steel said it plans to reduce slab consumption at its Granite City Works near St. Louis, a company spokesperson said on Monday. The Pittsburgh-based steelmaker will shift the production and processing of steel slabs to its Mon Valley Works near Pittsburgh and its Gary Works near Chicago. Citing a United Steelworkers (USW) union memo, […]

SMU Week in Review: September 1-5
Here are highlights of what’s happened this past week and a few upcoming things to keep an eye on.

HR Futures: Market finds footing on supply-side mechanics
As Labor Day marks the transition into fall, the steel market enters September with a similar sense of change. Supply-side fundamentals are beginning to show signs of restraint: imports are limited, outages loom, and production is capped, setting the stage for a market that feels steady on the surface but still unsettled underneath.