March 23, 2026 (Schaumburg, IL) — Modern Casting and Casting Source magazines, published by the American Foundry Society (AFS), have been named regional finalists in the prestigious AZBEE Awards of Excellence, presented by the American Society of Business Publication Editors.
The AZBEES are among the most competitive honors in B2B media, recognizing outstanding reporting, editing, and design across trade, association, and professional publications. Each year, experienced editors and media professionals evaluate entries across industries to identify the highest standards of editorial excellence.
Modern Casting earned three awards: (1) for Editor Kim Phelan’s “Tiny But Mighty” feature on AFS Corporate Member Silver Dollar Castings in the January 2025 issue; (2) for Phelan’s article titled “Beneficial Use: How to Think Outside the Landfill” in the June 2025 issue; and (3) for the February 2025 Special Section on Safety comprising four original articles including a contribution from author Mickey Hannum, his article, “Change Your Culture, Change Your Safety,” was a catalyst to Hannum writing and publishing his book last summer: “People First Always: Rebuilding Culture from the Inside Out.”
Casting Source was recognized for Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier’s July/August 2025 story, “Jeep Handle Revs Up Excitement” about AFS Corporate Member Cope & Drag Kustoms’ colorful door handle castings for Wranglers.
The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $52 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.