Honoring the legacy of Heidtman Steel's John C. Bates, Sr.

The steel community recognizes and honors the remarkable legacy of John C. Bates, Sr., whose 60-year career helped shape Heidtman Steel and left a lasting impact on the metals industry.

Born August 17, 1943, in Cleveland, John attended Michigan State University on a full-ride scholarship, establishing the work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit that would define his life. He began his career at Heidtman Steel on June 3, 1963, and remained dedicated to the company for six decades.

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Michael Cowden

Michael Cowden is editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Cowden has covered the steel industry since 2007. He specializes in flat-rolled steel but has also reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube, and aluminum. Before joining SMU, Cowden held reporting jobs at Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago, the Associated Press in Pittsburgh, and the Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh. He has also worked as a copy editor and in marketing at the University of Chicago Press. Cowden has a BA in English from the University of Chicago and an MSJ journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Contact him at michael@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7872.

Michael Cowden

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