SMU Seeks the Next NexGen Leadership Award Winner

The SMU NexGen Leadership Award, sponsored by the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), is awarded to an individual working in manufacturing or fabrication companies that utilize mild carbon or automotive grade steels in their products, steel distributors (service centers or wholesalers), steel mills, trading companies, or toll processors.

• The award recognizes those 35 years or younger who exemplify the best the industry has to offer. The NexGen Leadership Awardwill be bestowed on the candidate whose emerging leadership within his or her company sets a standard for the rest of the industry to emulate.
• Candidates for the SMU NexGen Award will be no more than 35 years of age as of August 1, 2022. The candidates must work within the greater steel community.
• There is no minimum required time within the industry. But the nominee should still be employed by the company recognizing the nominee’s talents.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to nominate yourself, or someone from your company:

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

What does a successful nomination application look like? You can click here to view the nomination of our very first NexGen Leadership Award Winner, Meredith Meade.

What does the Award Winner Receive?

The NexGen Leadership Award will be bestowed on the candidate whose emerging leadership within his or her company sets a standard for the rest of the industry. The 2022 award will include the following:

• A mentorship experience with Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President, and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs
• Recognition in the Steel Market Update newsletter and SMU/CRU websites
• Invitation to attend one of the SMU Steel 101 or SMU Steel 201 workshops (no registration fee)
• An invitation to the 2023 SMU Steel Summit Conference with registration fees waived
• A video of the award being presented
• Recognition in the form of a trophy or plaque that can be proudly displayed on your desk or office area
• The award winner (and finalist for the award) will become part of a prestigious group of individuals who will have been recognized by the greater steel community for their excellence, creativity, and quality of the work they perform for the company they represent. In the process, their company is also recognized for providing an environment conducive to nurturing young, talented individuals.

How do I nominate someone (or myself)?

The nomination process is relatively easy. We first recommend that you read the application submitted for Meredith Meade to give you an idea of how to present the nominee to the group evaluating the nominations.

You want to provide details about the person being nominated (name, company, title) as well as contact information regarding the person making the nomination (name, company, title, contact phone and email).

Then you need to provide a detailed description of why this person and their work should be recognized. What did they do/accomplish that went above and beyond normal job requirements?

To make a nomination please click here.

To learn more about the award please go to: https://events.crugroup.com/smusteelsummit/awards

If you need guidance, please reach out to Jill Waldman at Jill@SteelMarketUpdate.com or John Packard at John@SteelMarketUpdate.com

The award will be presented during the SMU Steel Summit Conference in Atlanta on Tuesday, August 23rd.