Managers and supervisors gathered in Clearwater Beach, Florida, in February for the AFS Metalcasting Industry Human Resources Conference, an event designed specifically for metalcasters.
The conference, titled “Preparing for the Metalcasting Workplace of Tomorrow,” covered topics such as the future of performance management, employment laws, how to recruit and build an employer brand, creating a flexible work environment for shop floor employees, succession plans, and more. Among the attendees were HR professionals and metalcasters who fill that role in addition to managing other duties.
“The speakers provided in-depth insight, as well as actionable and practical tools on various topics that attendees could return to their organizations with and get started implementing,” said Cathy Potts, AFS Director of Human Resources & Administrative Services. “The presence of all the participants helped to make this event a great success, and their enthusiasm and willingness to share their experiences helped to make the time together both productive and fun.”
Several awards for dedication and service were presented during the conference. Honored at Preparing for the Metalcasting Workplace of Tomorrow were:
Lodge Manufacturing Company, Outstanding Organization Award.
- This award recognizes an organization for being a long-standing member and great supporter of AFS by attending and supporting a large number of AFS functions. Accepting on behalf of Lodge was Dave Shouse, Lodge Senior Vice President of Organizational Development. “The leadership within Lodge Manufacturing Company has always been willing to provide great support and service to the industry in general,” Potts said.
Teresa Weber, Director of Human Resources from Atek Metal Technologies, Outstanding Individual Service Award.
- This award recognizes outstanding achievements beyond the normal duties of the chair by bringing new and fresh ideas to the committee and to the AFS Metalcasting Industry Human Resources Conference. “Teresa always demonstrates very positive leadership and professionalism as the chair of the AFS Human Resources Division,” Potts said. “Teresa is also involved with Women in Metalcasting and serves as the vice chair of the AFS Management Council.”