Economy
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/2f42229727db7199c4da11d9fb996204.jpg)
Zekelman Helps Fund Kabul Airlift Rescue
Written by Tim Triplett
October 14, 2021
Zekelman Industries reports that it donated $1 million to help charter two flights into and out of Kabul, Afghanistan, which successfully rescued 534 American citizens and lawful permanent residents, spouses and children after the U.S. military withdrew from the city.
The mission was sponsored by Task Force Argo, a group of private citizens working to evacuate Americans and Afghan partners stranded in the war-torn country. When Army veteran Jim Young of Sabot Development reached out to Zekelman Industries, EVP Mickey McNamara and Chairman and CEO Barry Zekelman said they jumped at the opportunity to help. “We went all in when our good friend and business partner Jim Young reached out to see if we could support this,” Zekelman said. “We felt privileged to be able to do so – to support those who have served and to play a part in rescuing American citizens, lawful permanent residents, spouses and children. It was the right thing to do.”
The Task Force Argo team said it moved quickly to handle logistics and coordinate with contacts in Kabul, the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of State to vet the passenger lists and clear everyone for landing in Abu Dhabi. The volunteer rescue organization said it continues to work to secure safe passage for all evacuees to their final destinations.
Zekelman Industries is one of the largest suppliers of pipe and tube products in North America.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/tim-triplett.jpeg)
Tim Triplett
Read more from Tim TriplettLatest in Economy
Metalformers expect steady conditions in coming months
Metalformers expect economic activity to stabilize over the next three months, according to the recently released July Business Conditions Report from the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/construction.png)
Architecture Billings Index rises from 4-year low in June
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) ticked up in June following May’s four-year low, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek. While the index improved this month, it continues to indicate weak business conditions among architecture firms.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/FedRes.png)
Beige Book: Uncertainty to continue fueling slower economic growth
Growth in the US economy continues to be constrained. The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report for July shows more areas reporting flat or declining economic activity than in its previous report at the end of May.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/AISI.png)
AISI, AISC, University of Massachusetts get ~$6.4M EPA grant
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst have received a grant to enhance emissions reporting for steel construction projects.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/empire_state_1-scaled.jpg)
Manufacturing activity in New York state continues to soften
New York state saw a continued decline in manufacturing activity in July, according to the latest Empire State Manufacturing Survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.