MARCH/APRIL 2007
At its landmark 20th anniversary convention this April, ReMA will celebrate the industry’s ongoing success and the rebirth of New Orleans.
What do the scrap industry, the ReMA convention, and New Orleans have in common? In a word, momentum.
The scrap industry has been on a market roll since 2003, and its good fortune continues (knock on wood) in 2007. Likewise, ISRI’s convention has seen attendance rise steadily since 2003, setting a record last year with 4,285 registrants. And New Orleans is rebounding from its Hurricane Katrina setback to reassert itself as one of America’s most vibrant, alluring cities.
It’s appropriate, then, for ISRI’s convention—and the scrap industry as a whole—to return to New Orleans in 2007 under the “Momentum” theme. On April 18-21, scrap professionals from around the world will gather in this famed city to revel in the industry’s amazing run, mark ISRI’s 20th anniversary convention, and celebrate the Big Easy’s rebirth. So put on your party shoes, leave your inhibitions behind, and prepare yourself for the scrap industry’s greatest event—and, yes, biggest party—of the year.
Exploring the Expo
If you haven’t heard yet, New Orleans is back, serving up its unique and irresistible culture, cuisine, history, and music. As city representatives note (wryly), the New Orleans aquarium inhabitants are the only ones still under water. In many respects, in fact, the city is better than before—cleaner, refurbished, and more welcoming than ever. So the time and conditions are perfect to “fall in love with New Orleans all over again,” as the city says.
Just as there’s much to discover (or rediscover) about New Orleans, there’s an equal measure to explore within the ReMA convention itself. Like the city’s renowned jambalaya, the convention is a mixture of complementary elements that, together, create something satisfying and memorable.
The convention’s exposition is always at the center of the ReMA convention recipe. This year, the expo at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will be ISRI’s largest ever in terms of size, spanning more than 253,000 square feet of floor space, including 38,000 square feet of equipment displays. That’s more than 50 percent larger than the previous record exhibition, at last year’s convention in Las Vegas. At the 2007 show, you can visit more than 175 exhibitors (and counting) that offer all manner of recycling-related equipment, technology, products, and services.
As in recent years, the 2007 expo will open with a bang on the convention’s first evening, April 18, easing you into the festivities with first-class food and beverages. This gala party offers a great chance to reconnect with industry colleagues and friends while scoping out exhibitors you’ll want to revisit in the two full days of the expo. Those days—April 19 and 20—hold out the extra incentive of complimentary luncheons in the expo hall, giving you the chance to grab a bite while discussing your next big purchase with the vendor of your choice. If you need to continue those discussions after normal show hours, you can do so at the exhibitor cash bar, which will be in the lobby of the convention center from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 19.
A Passel of Programs
After making your de rigueur and sure-to-be-rewarding rounds of the ReMA expo, you can dive headlong into the convention’s rich slate of some 45 workshops, commodity spotlights, and extracurricular programs. Like New Orleans itself, ISRI’s educational sessions offer a little something for everyone, from market reports to safety advice to a nighttime ghost-and-vampire tour. Read on to start planning your convention agenda. (See the Schedule of Events on page 62 for the date and time of each program.)
Worldly Wise
The scrap industry has always been an international business, though the players, trade rules, and market conditions shift constantly. It’s essential—but not easy—to keep up with these changes. Fortunately, ISRI’s Trade Committee lends a hand this year, offering several workshops on international trade.
Bribery or Business: Legal Issues of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act—Here’s your crash course on this important U.S. trade law, with advice on what you should consider before sealing certain global business transactions.
Emerging Markets: Vietnam—With its buzzing economy and recent entry
into the World Trade Organization, Vietnam is living up to its promise of economic liberalization and international integration. Don’t miss this inside look at the country’s business climate, with a focus on its strengths and weaknesses as a scrap consumer.
Emerging Markets: South America—This session shines the spotlight on Brazil, the B in the BRIC acronym of growing global economic powers (along with Russia, India, and China). With the largest economy among South American countries, Brazil holds great promise in the worldwide scrap market.
ISRI’s India Trade Mission—For 10 days this January, ReMA executives and 23 ReMA members explored the business opportunities and cultural character of the world’s most populous democracy. In this show-and-tell session, some mission participants recount what they experienced and share photos of what they saw.
Playing It Safe
Safety is the top day-to-day priority in responsible scrap facilities. What’s more important, after all, than ensuring that every employee goes home whole and healthy each night? Safe operations also reap the additional benefits of lower insurance premiums, greater productivity, higher employee morale, and—often—a stronger bottom line. The ReMA convention helps you keep an eye on this critical issue with five informative sessions.
Safety for the CEO—It’s a truism that a corporate safety program won’t work without the support of top management. This program, designed specifically for senior managers, reviews both the human and the financial reasons for implementing a comprehensive safety program.
Safety: Successful Programs—It might not be easy, but it is possible to achieve an accident-free workplace, as some scrap companies can attest. A few of the industry’s safety stars share their success stories and strategies for how to achieve that elusive goal.
Claims Management: What to Do When Lightning Strikes—Life and work are unpredictable, so even the most safety-focused scrap operations can suffer a bit of bad luck. In such cases, an excellent safety program can help employees—and the company as a whole—recover while remaining focused on and committed to the safety goal.
Understanding the Safety Blueprint Process—In ISRI’s innovative Scrap Safety Blueprint program, safety staffers visit member facilities and conduct a 20-point review of each firm’s safety efforts. Learn all about this highly popular consulting service, which is free to ReMA members who sign the ReMA Safety Pledge.
Radiation in the Scrapyard—Too many radiation-containing products—such as gauges, meters, and medical devices—find their way into the scrap stream each year. Intercepting these items is vital to the safety and financial health of scrap operations, with additional implications for homeland security. This session examines the dangers and industry-initiated solutions.
Hot Commodities
The scrap industry is all about markets, so it’s no wonder that the commodity-focused sessions are the biggest draw among ISRI’s convention workshops, with many attracting standing-room-only crowds. Attendees come to hear respected analysts and industry veterans offer their take on the past performance, present status, and future prospects for major commodity markets, including ferrous and nonferrous metals and paper. Who’s on tap this year to pin the tail on the always-elusive markets? Here’s a breakdown of each commodity program and the speakers confirmed at press time, with more to come.
Spotlight on Aluminum: Nick Madden of Novelis Inc. (Atlanta), Catherine Virga of CPM Group (New York), Bruce Warshauer of Wabash Alloys LLC (Wabash, Ind.), and moderator Stephen Moss of Stanton A. Moss Inc. (Bryn Mawr, Pa.).
Spotlight on Copper: Herbert Black of American Iron & Metal Co. (1969) Inc. (Montréal), Keith Gwozdz of Man Financial (New York), Tim Strelitz of California Metal-X (Los Angeles), and moderator Michael Friedman of Scrap and Waste LLC (Louisville, Ky.).
Spotlight on Ferrous: Matthew Parker of Metal Management Northeast (Newark, N.J.) and moderator Peter Kramer of The Greenfield Recycling Co. Inc. (Greenfield, Mass.).
Spotlight on Nickel/Stainless: Mo Ahmadzadeh of Mitsui Bussan Commodities (New York) and moderator Alasdair Gledhill of ELG Metals Inc. (McKeesport, Pa.).
Spotlight on Paper: Rogelio Silva of Durango-McKinley Paper Co. (Arlington, Texas), Mark Brantley of the Recycling Division of Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. (Creve Coeur, Mo.), and moderator George Chen of G&T Trading International (Clifton, N.J.).
Beyond these traditional spotlights, the convention offers other informative market-focused programs:
Steel Indexing and Price Transparency—The steel industry has undergone seismic shifts in the past decade. Some say these changes demand increased transparency in spot market prices and a central marketplace for futures contracts to manage risk. This session features third-party participants who are experimenting with models that could affect both deliverable finished steel contracts and ferrous scrap transactions.
The Basics of Tire Wire—Wire recovered from scrap tire processing has gained the attention of some scrap-consuming steelmakers and provides another potential revenue stream for tire processors who have the right equipment. Find out more about this emerging material, how it’s consumed as a raw material, and the machinery needed to make it a marketable resource.
Electronics Recycling Business Summit—Reprising the success of its e-recycling track at the 2006 convention, ReMA is serving up a six-workshop track this year targeted to all segments of the electronics recycling chain. The workshops, all on the final two days of the convention, April 20 and 21, will cover hot topics in this burgeoning market, including e-scrap exports, return programs, plastic and glass recovery, public and private partnerships, data destruction, and reselling/refurbishing. The speaker roster reads like a who’s who of major players related to this niche, such as Hewlett-Packard Co., Dell Inc., Microsoft Corp., Best Buy Co. Inc., Goodwill Industries International Inc., U.S. EPA, Veolia Environnement, Sims Recycling Solutions, Green Earth Recycling, and New Market, among others.
The Electronics Recycling Business Summit is open to all full ReMA convention registrants. If you prefer, however, you can register just for this
e-recycling event for $475 before March 21, $550 afterward. Consult the ReMA convention Web site at www.isriconvention.org for more details about this specialized program track.
All Systems Operational
Managing a scrapyard is a juggling act. Supervisors must deal with myriad issues: personnel, equipment maintenance, transportation, safety, environmental compliance—and that just scratches the surface. These workshops will bring you up to date in some of the most pressing areas.
Rail Transportation—For years, scrap shippers have faced a shortage of rail cars and poor rail service, with sometimes serious repercussions on their delivery schedules and bottom line. This session analyzes today’s railroads to provide a better perspective on the problem—and some potential solutions.
Transportation: Trucking—With the lion’s share of scrap traveling by truck these days, truck transportation is a critical element in most scrap operations. Get a bead on the latest trends in the trucking market, with insights on how to make your over-the-road transportation more cost- and time-efficient.
Managing Materials Theft—The sale of stolen material as scrap has been a red-hot topic for the past two years. In two sessions, speakers from the scrap and law enforcement communities will discuss the causes and effects of this negative trend and explore successful ways to fight such crimes as well as new technologies that can help.
Managing Energy Costs—Scrap processing plants have seen their energy bills—especially for electricity—shoot through the roof, but it does not have to be that way. At this workshop, two scrap operators will reveal their strategies for keeping energy costs under control. Also,
an energy expert will discuss the financial benefits of being flexible in your electricity demand during critical peak times.
Innovative Approaches for Recycling Munitions—Uncle Sam needs scrap processors to help recycle the government’s large and growing stockpile of obsolete and unneeded munitions. A speaker from the U.S. Army will explain the challenges—and potential opportunities—in this specialized scrap market.
Managing for Success
Succeeding in the scrap industry requires the ability to plan for the future while managing the demands of the present—in other words, the skill to see the big picture and the small picture at the same time. These sessions can help.
Crisis Management Communications—Would you know what to do if your company found itself in the media spotlight due to a big accident or other incident? Learn from recyclers who have faced a crisis and discovered what works and what doesn’t. Public relations pros also offer guidance on developing an effective crisis communications plan.
Community Public Relations—Scrap operations are positive forces in their communities, but issues such as noise, housekeeping, landscaping, and metal theft can cause tension between yards and their neighbors. Recyclers can take some simple steps to prevent or iron out such wrinkles and establish positive relationships with their neighbors and community leaders.
Exit Planning—Every scrap professional has to think about exiting the business at some point, whether through family succession, selling the company, or unexpected circumstances. The first of two workshops examines the various ways of leaving a business and the steps that can make that departure a smooth one. The second program, on valuating your business, presents a practical, step-by-step approach to assessing your company’s worth.
Hiring and Retaining Good Employees—Learn effective strategies for finding and retaining the best employees from Richard Hadden, coauthor of Contented Cows Give Better Milk: The Plain Truth About Employee Relations and Your Bottom Line.
Thrive on Shift and Change—Being courageous and audacious is the only way to survive in today’s business world. Learn how to put these characteristics to work for you in achieving career and personal success.
Immigration and Other Employment Law Updates—Recyclers can face serious legal issues if they hire illegal immigrants, so it’s prudent to know the ropes in this important labor area. Experts will review topics such as “no-match” letters from the Social Security Administration, green-card issues, and wage-hour laws.
Seeing Green
Kermit the Frog knew what he was singing about when he bemoaned, “It’s not easy being green.” Scrap processors face the challenge of “being green” every day as they work to comply with state and federal environmental regulations. The ReMA convention touches on some high points in this area.
Stormwater Management—When it rains, environmental problems can pour on scrap operators if they don’t have an effective stormwater system. This two-part program will explore possible changes to stormwater regulations, how the changes could affect recyclers, and how they can prepare for the future.
Superfund Survival Guide—The scrap industry won a great victory with the passage in 1999 of the Superfund Recycling Equity Act, but that law did not eliminate the industry’s Superfund-related responsibilities. Processors still face potential liability, but you can learn in this session how to take steps to minimize your exposure.
RIOS Momentum: Members’ Progress Report—Several scrap companies are already implementing the Recycling Industry Operating Standard, ISRI’s comprehensive QEH&S management program. Representatives from some of these charter firms will offer their accounts of the design and implementation process—and the program’s benefits thus far.
A Lagniappe Track
If you speak N’Awlins lingo, you know that a lagniappe is “a little something extra,” an unexpected gift or nicety. The ReMA convention offers a lagniappe of its own in five extracurricular programs for members, spouses, and guests.
The first of these programs—a yoga class—will help you get centered amidst the convention hubbub. A demonstration class at the New Orleans School of Cooking will teach you the secrets of making classic Cajun and Creole fare like gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp Creole, and pralines. If you’re in a more artistic mood, the program on digital photography explores the many options for printing and using your photos, both at home and online.
If you’re feeling courageous, you can sign up for ISRI’s first night tour of New Orleans. You’ll hear tales of some of the city’s many ghosts and vampires while strolling through the shadows
of the Vieux Carré, or French Quarter. Or, for something less paranormal, you can sit in on a session on antiques and find out whether your old objects are trash or treasures.
What’s New?
The 2007 ReMA convention isn’t the same old event as years past. ReMA has broken the mold and changed some traditional features to make this year’s event truly “new and improved.”
• For the first time, ReMA has removed the customary governance and leadership meetings from the convention schedule. That change shortens the convention by at least one day for members who serve on the association’s governing bodies.
• In keeping with the global nature of the scrap business, the ReMA exposition hall will feature a new International Pavilion. There, scrap professionals interested in importing or exporting scrap can network with potential trading partners.
• Instead of early morning general session breakfasts on the three convention days, this year there’s only one breakfast session and one luncheon. That will free up your mornings, giving you more time for that dawn workout, those early meetings, or—truth be told—the freedom to enjoy the Big Easy’s night life without fearing your wake-up call.
The one breakfast session on April 19 will be worth the early call, though we’ll keep you in suspense on the speaker’s name.
• The luncheon session on April 21 showcases an experienced leader—retired Gen. Tommy Franks. In his almost four-decade military career, Franks became a four-star general and earned the position of commander-in-chief, U.S. Central Command. From his distinguished service in Vietnam to his leading role in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, Franks gained insights into leadership, character, and the value of democracy.
• If you’re a golf aficionado, you’ll love this year’s Recycling Research Foundation tournament. Not only will this be the biggest RRF outing ever, it’s also being held at the 27-hole Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans, the area’s newest and finest course. Best of all, you’ll help raise funds for RRF’s research, which supports and advances the scrap industry. You’d better sign up fast, though—only 140 players can participate in this worthwhile and fun event. To register or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, call Brooke Emmerick, 202/662-8544.
• If golf isn’t your bag (pardon the pun), you can take a tour of New Orleans. ReMA is organizing six three-hour tours that will show the city’s progress since Katrina as well as areas still struggling to recover. The tours will visit the site of the famous 17th Street Canal breach that caused so much damage to low-lying areas.
• This year’s final night gala will certainly offer a novel way to wrap up the ReMA convention in style. Billed as “A Taste of New Orleans,” the evening’s main attraction is food stations featuring some of the city’s best restaurants, including Antoine’s, Arnaud’s, K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, Muriel’s Jackson Square, Commander’s Palace, and more. Another draw is its location: Mardi Gras World on the west bank of the Mississippi, a company that has achieved fame as the largest builder of Mardi Gras floats and other fantasy decorations used at theme parks around the world. It will provide the perfect backdrop to this culinary tour of the City of the Chefs.
This event will double as a fund-raiser to assist Hurricane Katrina victims from the city’s hospitality industry. End your ReMA 2007 experience on a generous high note by giving back to the city that has given our industry its all over the years.
With so much in store, you won’t want to miss this 20th anniversary ReMA convention. Visit www.isriconvention.org for the latest information and access to ISRI’s new, easy-to-use online registration system. Save $10 off the full registration fee by signing up online. You can also print a registration form from the Web site and fax or mail it with your payment. But hurry—the final early-bird registration deadline is March 21. ReMA will process forms received after that date at on-site registration in New Orleans. See you there!
At its landmark 20th anniversary convention this April, ReMA will celebrate the industry’s ongoing success and the rebirth of New Orleans.