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December 2015 Quick Read Newsletter
Forging Industry Technical Conference Call for Abstracts

The Forging Industry Technical Conference Planning Committee is now accepting abstracts for the 31st Forging Industry Technical Conference to be held Sept.19-20, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio.
 
The conference will cover the current state and future of the forging industry, including upcoming industry challenges, educational trends and workforce development. The latest advancements in forging technology will be discussed by a diverse group of presenters with backgrounds in a variety of processes, materials and end-use markets. Attendees can also hear about FIERF-funded research and industry collaborative group results, and network with industry, academia and research partners.
 
The deadline to submit an abstract for this important event is Jan. 11, 2016
Receive Information Vital to Navigating These Volatile Times by Participating in Annual Sales Survey

In order to make informed decisions about the challenges faced by your business today, you must know where you stand within the forging industry. One way to find out is by taking advantage of FIA's Annual Industry Statistic Reports. These reports offer "big picture" data that is not available anywhere else, and all it takes to access them is your participation.
 
FIA member producers and non-member organizations will be receiving the 2015 FIA Forging Sales Survey of Orders, Shipments and End Use Markets via email and mail in January. This survey is important because it helps FIA compile an accurate overview of the products, shipments and tonnage produced by North American forgers during the past year, and which markets they serve.
 
Timely responses and accurate data are crucial; the more information you can share, the better a report FIA can create. The deadline to submit responses is Feb. 12. Mark your calendars now, so you remember to submit your data no matter where the deadline falls within your internal financial calendar.
 
Forging producers who participate in this survey will receive a copy of the final report at no charge. The final report will be available in April, so participants can better plan for 2016 and beyond. All identifying information provided is kept confidential and the final report is presented in aggregate form to protect the identities of participants.
 
To participate, simply complete and return the emailed or mailed survey. Contact Mary Ann Foote, FIA senior analyst-information technology & statistics, at maryann@forging.org or 216-781-6260 with any questions. 
Participate in Occupational Injury and Illness Survey to Receive Benchmarking Data

Starting Jan. 4, 2016, FIA's forging producer members are invited to participate in the 2015 Occupational Injury and Illness Survey. In exchange for sharing their OSHA 300 log information, all survey participants will be provided with access to forging industry benchmarking data.

FIA's dynamic benchmarking online survey platform enables participants to enter their OSHA 300 log information in 10 minutes or less. The platform allows users to:
  • Receive forging industry specific data. This data is available only through your participation.
  • Become eligible for Safety Awards! Survey participants who enter their data before Feb. 29, 2016, and meet certain requirements will become eligible for FIA Safety Awards.
  • Enter data 24/7. Survey participants may complete their entries in more than one sitting.
  • Create customized, comprehensive reporting based on your individual criteria.
  • Compare year-to-year results for multiyear participants.
To learn how to participate, contact the FIA  benchmarking team at benchmarking@forging.org.
Take Advantage of Compensation & Benefits Data When Working on Budgets, Negotiations and Contracts

FIA's Compensation & Benefits benchmarking data is available 24/7 to help participating members make informed business decisions. This data allows forging producers to compare themselves to other organizations based on sales volume, number of employees, region and more. 

It is not too late to enter your 2015 information and benefit from this program. Simply contact the FIA benchmarking team at benchmarking@forging.org to find out how to participate. Current participants can access the charts and reports they need at forging.org/benchmarking.
Middle Managers: Learn Practical Skills at MDI


FIA is now accepting applications for its second series of Management Development Institute (MDI) classes. This program helps middle managers learn practical skills and strategies ranging from time and financial management to delegation, communication and negotiation.

MDI participants in 2016 will attend three sessions in Cleveland: April 17-19, July 31-Aug. 2, and Nov. 13-15. Each session includes discussions and case studies covering a range of topics important to today's forging managers. 

To apply for the 2016 series of MDI classes, visit forging.org/whats-new/now-accepting-applications-mdi-2016. Contact Roy W. Hardy, FIA president, at roy@forging.org  for further information.
Help Secure the Forging Industry's Future by Serving on a Board or Nominating Others

FIA and FIERF have been very fortunate through the years that forging industry leaders have stepped up and volunteered to serve on the organizations' respective boards. This altruism has provided guidance and direction, helping FIA and FIERF staff members deliver the services members need. 

Now is the time to do your part and help to ensure the forging industry's future is in good hands. FIA's Nominating Committee will meet in January 2016 to select a slate of nominees for the FIA Board of Directors and FIERF Board of Trustees. These nominees will then be voted on at the FIA Annual Meeting of Members in May.

To find out about serving on either board, or to nominate a candidate, contact Roy W. Hardy, FIA president, at roy@forging.org. Candidates from FIA forging and supplier member organizations are eligible. Those elected will serve three-year terms ending during the 2019 Annual Meeting of Members. 

The FIA Board of Directors provides operating policy and direction in support of FIA's purpose and mission to improve members' global competitiveness. FIA activities are accomplished by committee, staff and member groups through defined, measurable objectives relating to industry marketing, information, public policy and technology matters relevant to the forging industry and of interest to FIA members. Director candidates are CEO or senior managers who are well-versed in business operations and strategic planning, motivated to participate and lead in industry-representative peer group efforts, and able/willing to commit to four meeting days per year.

The FIERF Board of Trustees sets direction for and participates in small working groups to plan and implement highly focused activities relating to technology, education and fundraising matters to further the competitiveness of the forging industry. Trustee candidates should be well-versed in either business or technical planning skills, interested in developing long-term programs and solutions for industry challenges, and able/willing to commit to four meeting days per year.
What's New at Your Plant?

Do you have news that you would like to share with your fellow forging industry members? Post a press release to the FIA website at forging.org/member-press-releases. 
Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for the following 2016 FIA-sponsored events:

Mechanical Press Maintenance Workshop
March 2-3, 2016
Cleveland, Ohio

This 1½ day workshop will introduce participants to the different types of mechanical presses. It will provide an explanation of the various elements of the press, so attendees can see how each element works and influences other parts of the press forging process. The workshop will also cover predictive and preventative maintenance for various press components, items that should be taken into consideration when planning a repair, and uptime-improving strategies.  

Click here to register today!
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Best Safety Practices Workshop
March 16, 2016
Cleveland, Ohio

By creating a culture of safety in the workplace, employers can reduce the direct and indirect costs of injuries and increase the value of their organizations. This one-day workshop will provide attendees with several strategies that can help limit workplace incidents.

Click here to register today!
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2016 Annual Meeting of Members
April 30-May 2, 2016
Hilton Head, S.C.

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Theory and Applications of Forging and Die Design
June 6-9, 2016
Cleveland, Ohio
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2016 Forging Industry Technical Conference
Sept.19-20, 2016
Columbus, Ohio

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2016 Marketing Workshop
Oct. 3-5, 2016
San Antonio, Texas

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2016 Fall Meeting of Members
Oct. 24-26, 2016
Charlotte, N.C.
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First Line Supervisory Development Seminar
November 2016
Cleveland, Ohio
For more information about any of these items, visit forging.org

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