Lieberman-Warner Bill Would Raise Costs of Natural Gas Significantly, NAM, EIA Warn
YOUR ACTION NEEDED! THIS BILL DUE TO BE VOTED ON BY SENATE IN AUGUST
In a press release (4/29), the National Association of Manufacturers reported that "the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) analysis of the Lieberman-Warner climate change bill (S. 2191)...underscores the bill's sobering economic and social costs, particularly the hike in future natural gas prices." The EIA study found that "the price of natural gas would nearly double from $11 per MMBTU today to $19 per MMBTU under the Lieberman-Warner climate change bill." However, "Manufacturers are the most natural gas intensive sector, and affordable natural gas is essential to the long-term competitiveness of manufacturing and the U.S. economy," according to NAM president and CEO John Engler. Such an increase in natural gas prices "would have a devastating impact on both consumers and business," according to Engler. "Many people would be unable to heat their homes in the winter and many businesses would have to move production offshore, taking jobs away." MTI needs you to take the following action:
Fall Meeting & 75th Anniversary Meeting Details & Registration Due Out in June
October 2008 encompasses a lot of history that you will not want to miss at the 2008 MTI Fall Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. This year's fall meeting will play host to MTI's 75th Anniversary Celebration. It will also be a celebration of MTI's longtime CEO, Lance Miller and his retirement. MTI expects Furnaces North America 2008 to break all records for attendance since FNA's inception in 1995. Meeting details and registration will be available in June 2008 so you can begin planning your trip. As with all meetings in recent years, we recommend booking your rooms as soon as possible. Room blocks have sold out fast the last few years. Recently the FNA Conference Captains completed their technical program process with 20 top programs being presented. They include:
Asset Protection at a Glance - FOR ANY PRIVATELY HELD COMPANY
Many people focus their efforts on increasing their financial resources, yet they may give relatively little attention to protecting those assets once they are accumulated. However, without the proper legal protection, the financial security you have worked long and hard to build could easily be threatened by an unexpected lawsuit.
NAM Reports Rising Costs Force Some U.S. Manufacturing Firms to Leave China, Survey Finds
The AFP (4/28) reported that "China is losing some of its attractiveness to foreign investors as rising costs are forcing some U.S. manufacturing firms to leave the country," according to a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). Factors cited in the decline included "price pressures from competition and major customers, rising salaries and wages, changes in raw material prices, tax expenses and real estate cost inflation." In addition, "'For manufacturers, the seemingly endless supply of low-cost unskilled labor may be approaching its limits,' Norwell Coquillard, chairman of AmCham in Shanghai," said. He also noted, "'The competitive labor market poses difficulties for export-oriented manufacturers, especially in low-margin sectors such as toys, garments and shoes." Instead, more manufacturers "are looking to India, Vietnam, and other places." But, despite the survey data, "companies still see China as a strategically important manufacturing base because of its domestic market potential." Reuters (4/28, Subler) also covered the story. In the coming years, a lot of factors could be lining themselves up to create more outsourced heat treating in North America including:
This past week nearly 200 MTI members and guests from all 7 chapters converged in St. Thomas for what many said was one of the most exciting meetings in years. Positive comments were received during the entire meeting regarding the education program, networking sessions, social events and the quality time many got to spend with family and spouses. The practical lessons learned from just the day one session on "Aggressive Marketing" was well worth the trip. Day two focused on "Emerging Technologies in Heat Treating" and the "Impact of the Elections on Your Business." This meeting certainly provided a lot of momentum leading up to the MTI 75th Anniversary Celebration at Furnaces North America. To see some photo highlights of the Spring Meeting, CLICK HERE.
MTI would like to thank the following companies for their attendance at the 2008 Spring Meeting:
Business Owner Gives Sound and Practical Advice on Business Issues
Knowledge is the key to business. Knowledge is what gives you the information you need to pre-plan for future events so you can proactively respond to uncertain events instead of reacting out of desperation. Knowledge allows you to minimize the risk any uncertain event can have on your bottom line. One of the benefits MTI provides to members at no cost is the Business Owner, a publication sent out every two months. The Business Owner provides advice on solutions to everyday challenges in business including managing cash flow, receivables, payables and customers. This month's issue discusses:
What you’re about to read is a thrilling story of a West Virginia boy done good – a story about one of the industry's more colorful personalities who has played a significant role in making the industry better. Within this month's Commercial Heat Treaters and Commercial Heat Treating Capabilities Directories, you'll notice a large number of stars indicating MTI membership for those companies. MTI is the Metal Treating Institute, the world’s largest association of commercial heat treaters with nearly 350 member companies. Lance Miller is the CEO of this association. After 30-plus years of service to MTI, Mr. Miller is preparing to retire. He deserves to be recognized and thanked for his dedication and service. Prepare to be entertained and inspired by his story.
Metal Treaters Report 3.0% Increase for First Quarter of 2008
The Metal Treating Institute reported sales of $221.2 million for the first quarter of 2008, a gain of 3.0% over the first quarter of 2007 when sales reached $214.8 million. March billings amounted to $75.2 million, down slightly (2.1%) from March 2007 billings which totaled $76.8 million. One third of the nine MTI districts reported higher sales in March, 2008. Seven districts topped their 2007 first quarter sales.
A summary of percentage change by geographic regions follows:
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