SCHAUMBURG, IL - The American Foundry Society (AFS) today announced it will present the AFS Congressional Champion Award to Rep. Jake Ellzey of Texas’s 6th District on June 10 in a reception at the Capitol Hill Club in the nation’s capital. Ellzey is the first of several lawmakers to be announced who will receive the prestigious award.
“Since entering Congress just four years ago, Congressman Ellzey has brought tremendous focus and energy to advocating for commonsense solutions to our nation's foremost global and domestic challenges,” stated Doug Kurkul, CEO of AFS. “With his focus on strengthening national defense, backing small businesses, and encouraging manufacturing competitiveness, Congressman Ellzey has demonstrated a strong commitment to our nation’s 1,700-plus foundries.
The presentation will be part of the June 10-11 Government Affairs Fly-In at which many foundry and supplier industry leaders will advocate for the $50 billion industry. Key issues to be discussed with lawmakers will include tax policy, reliable supplies of affordable energy, cracking down on foreign trade cheats, regulatory reform and workforce development.
Metalcasting is an essential industry for the U.S. economy, job creation and national defense. Directly and indirectly, the foundry industry accounts for $110.5 billion in economic activity, accounts for 490,000 jobs, and pays nearly $32.2 billion in wages and benefits every year.
AFS Government Affairs Chair Eric Meyers (Oil City Iron Works), Vice Chair Alan Brink (Spring City Electrical MFG), and Secretary Jennifer Jin (Neenah Foundry) all personally encourage foundry and supplier companies to participate in the Fly-In, which will also feature renowned political and economic commentator Stephen Moore as luncheon speaker. Registration is open at this link. The Hotel Washington room block is open until (INSERT DATE).
AFS thanks the Platinum Sponsors which are American Colloid, Charter Casting, and Oil City Iron Works. AFS also appreciates the Gold Sponsors which include Spring City Electrical MFG, St. Marys Foundry: An Ariel Company, Charlotte Pipe & Foundry, American Cast Iron Pipe Company, EJ, McWane, Denison Industries, EC&S, American Foam Cast, Amsted Rail, Miller, and Osco Industries.
The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $50 billion metalcasting industry. AFS is the only association serving the entire industry, including all metals and processes, with a three-part focus on advocacy, education, and innovation. AFS also publishes Modern Casting and Casting Source magazines and presents Metalcasting Congress and CastExpo, the largest metalcasting trade events in North America. Founded in 1896, the organization is based in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an advocacy office in Washington, D.C. More information is available at AFSinc.org.