Fall 2018

AFS Institute completes $1 million investment

A five-year, $1 million investment is set to pay off for the AFS Institute and its students.

Since 2013, the Institute has redeveloped its course catalog with the backing of a $1 million pledge approved by the Board of Directors. Recently, that work concluded, and the results are sweeping: 37 new instructor-led classes and 108 e-Learning modules covering all areas of metalcasting. 

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Foundries primed for metalcasting success at revamped Cast in North America exhibit

Metalcasters are getting ready for big crowds—and big success—in the revamped Cast in North America (CINA) exhibit at CastExpo 2019, April 27-30 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The new-look CINA has big changes in store this year: a new educational track just for designers and buyers, the return of the popular “Bring Your Own Blueprint” or "BYOB" program, and a prime location right on the show floor at the Georgia World Congress Center. 

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From the CEO: AFS is changing with you

A column from AFS CEO Doug Kurkul

How much has your business evolved over the last several years? Think of the new products or services you have introduced, and new technologies, processes, and policies you have adopted, to keep up with the demands of the marketplace and to serve your customers. 

Much like foundries, trade associations must also evolve. This column focuses on 10 changes that AFS has made to better serve our membership and our industry.

1. New Strategic Plan

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New Institute chief to focus on delivery of education services

The AFS Institute recently completed a $1 million investment in metalcasting classroom-course and e-learning curriculum. Now AFS has hired a new Institute leader, Clarence Trowbridge, to optimize the delivery of education and training to the metalcasting community.

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21st century leadership and creating an ideal culture

This blog post comes to AFS from talent management expert Margaret Graziano. Graziano, an engaging speaker and an authority on workplace leadership, will bring her program, “Mastering 21st Century Leadership,” to the 2018 Future Leaders of Metalcasting Meeting, Oct. 15-17 at Dotson Iron Castings in Mankato, Minnesota.

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AFS-supported workforce legislation signed by President Trump

Key workforce legislation supported by AFS went into law July 31, when President Trump signed an act overhauling the nation’s career and technical education law.

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Designers and buyers: “Bring Your Own Blueprints” to CastExpo 2019

Designers and buyers can source their castings at CastExpo 2019 when they bring their own blueprints to foundries exhibiting in Cast in North America (CINA).

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AFS releases handbook on silica compliance, no cost to members

AFS members soon will have a step-by-step guide to silica compliance.

The Silica Handbook for Small and Medium-Sized Foundries was compiled by AFS Safety and Health Committee members. All AFS members, corporate and individual, will have access to the digital book this fall.

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Chapter officers race to AFS headquarters for conference

What does it take to be an AFS Chapter officer? Dedication, enthusiasm—and a feather touch on the gas pedal.

Those were key requirements for leaders who came to AFS Headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, Aug. 13-14 for the Chapter Officers Conference. 

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Scholarships are par for the course at Western Michigan Chapter

The AFS Western Michigan Chapter knows its way around the links. 

After 79 years, it should. That’s how long the chapter’s annual golf outing has raised scholarship money for metalcasting students. 

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