March/April 2012
The ReMA convention and exposition returns to Las Vegas after a two-year break, giving attendees the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to “Be More.”
Returning to Las Vegas is like coming home for the ReMA convention and exposition. After holding its last two conventions in California, the association returns April 15-19 to the city that has hosted its annual event 10 previous times—more than any other location. This year’s ReMA convention, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino for the fourth time, is all about helping you “Be More.” That theme captures what the ReMA convention is all about—making your business more professional and profitable. From the two opening days of association governance meetings through the closing gala, you’ll have numerous opportunities to expand your business connections, shop for new equipment and services, and broaden your knowledge of industry and economic trends.
ISRI isn’t just talking the talk with its “Be More” theme. This year’s convention offers more educational programs (50-plus workshops and 10 commodity spotlights), more networking options, and more exhibitors to visit in the exposition hall. After partaking in the convention’s five days, you’re sure to head home informed, connected, and energized, ready to face the challenges and opportunities of 2012 and beyond.
Opening and Closing With a Bang
Like most previous ReMA conventions, the 2012 event starts with two days of association governance meetings in which ISRI’s divisions, councils, committees, task forces, and board of directors discuss issues of importance to the association and the industry. These meetings allow you to add your voice to the discussions, help shape the association’s decisions, and even become a volunteer leader. ReMA governance meetings are open only to ReMA members, except for specification hearings in ReMA commodity divisions, which are open to the public. This year’s governance meetings include a special board meeting April 19 to elect ISRI’s national officers for the 2012-2014 term.
The convention formally kicks off April 16 with a gala reception in the exhibit hall. This year’s expo features about 320 exhibiting companies in a hall that spans 8.5 acres, making it ISRI’s largest in size and number of exhibitors. The gala and the expo’s two full days April 17-18 allow you to check out new and innovative equipment, products, services, and technology that can make your business more productive and profitable. Each of the hall’s six hospitality spaces will have signs identifying its commodity theme (ferrous, nonferrous, paper, plastics, electronics, or tires/rubber), which will make it easier for you to meet existing and prospective customers with a similar commodity focus. ReMA offers a lunch in the hall each full expo day to help you keep up your energy.
Balancing the gala opening event is ISRI’s grand closing-night party April 19, so don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes. The event will give you an opportunity to unwind while bidding farewell to friends and colleagues. This year, the fun happens at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, where you can take in the tunes of Dennis DeYoung, founder and former front man of rock band Styx, known for hits that included “Babe,” “Come Sail Away,” and “Lady.”
Taking the Podium
ISRI has a tradition of featuring intriguing, often high-profile keynote speakers at its annual event, and it continues that practice this year. The first headline speaker—Michael Maslansky of Maslansky Luntz + Partners (New York and Washington, D.C.)—will review the importance of effective communication, supporting the convention’s goal of giving attendees the skills they need to achieve greater success. Maslansky offers expert advice on language strategies that shift perceptions and move markets. His book, The Language of Trust: Selling Ideas in a World of Skeptics, explores new words, phrases, and techniques that can improve communication. This session will feature a focus group of professional recyclers on stage with the speaker.
ISRI’s second keynote speaker is a name known around the world for his leadership during an unforgettable era in U.S. history. Former President George W. Bush brings his star power to the ReMA event, offering a talk that’s sure to be informative. Bush, a two-term president who left office in 2009, now focuses on developing the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The center will focus on education, global health, human freedom, and economic growth. ReMA will offer simultaneous Spanish and Chinese translation of both keynote speeches and other programs held in the general-session room.
Stellar Spotlights
Sandwiched between the opening and closing galas are dozens of educational workshops and spotlights that make up the meat of ISRI’s convention. Highlights include the ever-popular spotlight series, which provides insights on the main scrap commodity markets as well as the general economy. (See the Schedule of Events on pages 74-75 for dates and times of all workshops and spotlights.) Though ReMA continues to add speakers to these commodity programs, the roster already includes an impressive lineup of market experts. The ferrous spotlight features moderator Greg Dixon of Baker Iron & Metal Co. (Lexington, Ky.) as well as Spencer Johnson of INTL FCStone (New York) and Pat McCormick of World Steel Dynamics (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.). Gary Curtis of Terrapin Recycling (Baltimore) moderates the aluminum spotlight, featuring Matt Bedingfield of Novelis (Atlanta) and Mike Southwood of CRU Group (Wexford, Pa.). Barry Hunter of Hunter Alloys (Boonton, N.J.) will lead the nickel/stainless program, which features Jim Lawrence of ISA Alloys (Pittsburgh). The copper spotlight, which Matt Heitmeier of Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Co. (Lansing, Mich.) will moderate, offers speakers Ed Meir of INTL FCStone (New York), Tim Strelitz of California Metal-X (Los Angeles), and Herbert Black of American Iron & Metal Co. (Montréal Est). Moderating the lead/zinc/tin spotlight is Michael Friedman of Sustainable Management Corp. (Louisville, Ky.).
The nine commodity spotlights aren’t limited to metals, of course. Read more about the spotlights on electronics, paper, tires/rubber, and plastics below. A 10th spotlight takes a look at the economy, assessing the trends that could affect scrap recycling markets. That session will feature Stefan Schilbe of HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt (Düsseldorf, Germany) and Jason Schenker of Prestige Economics (Austin, Texas), with Shanghai-based journalist Adam Minter moderating and commenting on the Asian economic picture. (For a complete list of spotlight speakers, consult the ReMA convention brochure distributed on site.)
An Electrifying Electronics Slate
Those interested in electronics recycling are spoiled for choice at this year’s ReMA convention. The electronics spotlight, for one, will address how operating environmentally sound facilities could change the way the world reuses, recycles, and recovers used and end-of-life electronic products. Joe Clayton of Synergy Recycling (Madison, N.C.) will moderate the session, which features Katharina Kummer Peiry of the Secretariat of the Basel Convention (Geneva). Peiry will provide an overview of the Basel Convention’s country-led initiative efforts to ensure developing countries have the capacity to prevent illegal imports and handle hazardous wastes in an environmentally sound manner.
E-recyclers—or those considering entering the business—also can attend the ReMA Electronics Certification Program: Educational Short Course, which requires separate preregistration but no additional fee. There, attendees will hear from small and large recyclers about whether a comprehensive management system is worth the time, effort, and resources. Speakers include Rike Sandlin of HiTech Assets (Oklahoma City), Corey Dehmey of Momentum Management Consulting (Camp Hill, Pa.), John Lingelbach of R2 Solutions (Hotchkiss, Colo.), Bruce Jan of CycleLution (Diamond Bar, Calif.), John Mequio of AQA/NSF International (Ann Arbor, Mich.), and Tracey Blaszak of Intechra (Ridgeland, Miss.). Other electronics recycling sessions include the following:
U.S.-International Electronics Recycling Summit. Government officials from China, India, and Brazil will outline the state of electronics recycling in their countries. Discussion will focus on prevailing regulatory approaches, recycling targets, needed technologies, and business opportunities for recyclers, technology vendors, and other interested parties. Speakers include Nabil Bonduki of Brazil’s Ministry of Environment (Brasilia), Zhong Bin of China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (Beijing), and Shri Rajiv Gauba of India’s Ministry of Environ-ment and Forests (New Delhi).
Press Scoop on Electronics Export Markets. Journalists who have visited international e-recycling facilities striving to achieve environmentally sound, ethical, and sustainable operations will share their observations. Kevin Lawlor, ISRI’s director of communications, will moderate, with Shanghai-based journalist Adam Minter and Amanda Smith-Teutsch of Teutsch Media Services (Youngstown, Ohio) speaking.
The Uncertain Landscape of CRT Glass Recycling. Marilyn Goode of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Washington, D.C.) and Mark Murray of Californians Against Waste (Sacra-mento, Calif.) headline this workshop, which will examine the recycling of glass from cathode-ray tubes, reviewing current and future challenges and issues from the perspective of state and federal regulators.
The Big Picture for Plastics Recycling. This session will explore cradle-to-cradle opportunities and challenges for recycling plastics from end-of-life electronics, covering current recovery efforts and important trends in plastic recycling that affect electronics recyclers. Tamsin Ettefagh of Envision Plastics (Reidsville, N.C.) will lead the session, which features Kim Holmes of SABIC Innovative Plastics (Pittsfield, Mass.) and Patrick Lin of Wistron (Taipei, Taiwan).
Best Value and Practices in the Reuse Marketplace. This workshop considers how to get the most from your reusable electronics. It looks at the costs and benefits of R2 certification and/or partnering with asset recovery companies as well as best practices to maximize the products’ value. Lane Epperson of HiTech Assets (Oklahoma City) will moderate the session, which features Sean Nicholson of Microsoft (Cholsey, England), Michael Profit of Intechra (Ridgeland, Miss.), and Jim Lynch of TechSoup (San Francisco).
Pushing Paper
Paper gets top billing at the ReMA convention, thanks in part to the Paper Stock Industries Chapter, which once again will hold its specifications committee and general chapter meetings at the ReMA show. There’s also the paper spotlight, with moderator Joel Litman of Texas Recycling/Surplus (Dallas) and speaker Ken Waghorne of RISI (Bedford, Mass.). The paper recycling action continues with three additional programs:
Global Perspective: The Current View From Europe and China. Come hear Jimmy Yang of Newport CH International (Orange, Calif.) and Hubert Neuhaus of Neuhaus Handels & Co. (Hemhofen, Germany) relate how the ups and downs in the European and Asian economies in the past year could shape paper recycling in the United States.
Moving Quickly: Safety and Transportation for Paper Processors. Moderator Cap Grossman of Grossman Iron & Steel Co. (St. Louis), Jerry Sjogren of E.L Harvey & Sons (Westborough, Mass.), and two ReMA safety staff members—Commodor Hall, transportation safety manager, and Joe Bateman, safety outreach manager—examine driver safety from the perspectives of the driver and the facility owner.
How to Meddle With Metal in Your Single Stream. Paper processors often find other commodities—such as aluminum, copper, and ferrous—in the bales of paper they receive. Fortunately, they can turn these materials into a valuable revenue stream. Hear how from moderator Sandy Rosen of Great Lakes Recycling (Roseville, Mich.) and Dan Kurtz of ReCommunity (Charlotte, N.C.).
Treading Lightly
The scrap rubber certainly meets the road at the ReMA convention, which offers four sessions focused on the specialized recycling niche of tire processing.
Using Highly Engineered Rubber Powders. Moderator J.D. Wang of ReRubber (Ontario, Calif.) and speaker William Schreiber of Lehigh Technologies (Tucker, Ga.) talk about their investments in machinery and technology to produce highly engineered rubber powders from recycled tire rubber.
Rubberized Asphalt. Hear how some tire recyclers have convinced their states to use recycled tire rubber in road construction projects. The session features moderator Doug Carlson of Liberty Tire Recycling (Pittsburgh) and Billy Johnson, ISRI’s director of political and public affairs.
Off-the-Road Tire Recycling: An Operational Perspective. Recycling OTR tires presents its own challenges and opportunities, as moderator Brett Barstow of Golden By-Products (Ballico, Calif.) and speakers Scott White of Granutech-Saturn Systems Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) and Mike Playdon of IDM (Bradenton, Fla.) will describe.
Spotlight on Tires: Exporting Tires to Asian Markets. Were U.S. exports of scrap tire material over the past year the start of a new trend or merely an anomaly? Moderator Dick Gust of Liberty Tire Recycling (Pittsburgh) and Denise Kennedy of DK Enterprises (Sacra-mento, Calif.) will attempt to answer that question.
Perusing the Plastics Landscape
Plastics recycling seems to be claiming a higher profile at the ReMA convention each year, as evidenced by the six plastics-focused sessions this year. For one, plastics get their own spotlight, in which Phillip Karig of Mathelin Bay Associates (St. Louis), Kathy Hall of PetroChem Wire (West Orange, N.J.), and Chase Willett of Chemical Market Associates (Houston) will discuss what the economic changes in 2011 and advances in natural gas exploration and refining could mean for plastics recycling going forward. The other plastic sessions—outlined below—touch on everything from polymer identification to bale safety.
Carpet/Plastic Recycling and Market Demand. Carpet recycling is a growing market—and it’s predominantly a plastics market, as the most desirable carpet materials are the nylon face fibers. Learn from carpet manufacturers, recyclers, and others about developments in the carpet industry and how they could affect this product’s recycling. Speakers include Werner Braun of the Carpet and Rug Institute (Dalton, Ga.) and Gail Brice of The Carpet Recyclers (La Mirada, Calif.).
Plastics ID. Recyclers who separate their resins can seek higher prices for the material, which is why it’s important to know how to identify scrap plastics by their manufacturing techniques and resin types. Dennis Hayford of the Polymers Center of Excellence (Charlotte, N.C.) headlines this program, with moderator Jonathan Levy, ISRI’s director of member services.
Plastic Testing Techniques. This workshop, which follows and complements the Plastics ID session, will show recyclers how to assess bales of plastics, reviewing the tools for testing material in the field as well as proper techniques for preparing a test sample. Dennis Hayford speaks, along with Pat Sells of Rigaku Technologies (The Woodlands, Texas).
Plastic Bale Safety. To protect employees from injury, recyclers must understand how to work with and around plastic bales, which present unique safety hazards. ISRI’s Joe Bateman moderates this program, which includes Stephanie Baker of KW Plastics (Troy, Ala.).
Focusing on Safety
ISRI conventiongoers can start each day with safety in mind thanks to safety-themed workshops in the 9:45-11 a.m. time block of the convention’s three main days. The first session, April 17, offers a case study of a torchcutting fatality at the The David J. Joseph Co. (Cincinnati), with company officials Chris Bedell and Terry McWhorter reviewing the incident and John Gilstrap, ISRI’s director of safety, moderating the session.
The April 18 morning safety program offers a look at “What to Expect From OSHA in 2012 and Beyond,” with ISRI’s Joe Bateman and attorney Mark Lies of Seyfarth Shaw (Chicago) discussing what the recycling industry can expect from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and how to handle OSHA inspections, avoid fines, and keep workers safe.
The convention’s final morning safety session, April 19, makes the case that “Safety Is a Controllable Expense.” With planning and foresight, recyclers can control their transportation safety costs by monitoring drivers’ on-the-road performance and using the CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) tools from the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (Washing-ton, D.C.) that help monitor driver and company safety performance. ISRI’s
Commodor Hall will moderate the workshop, which includes speakers Norm Anger of North American Trans-portation Consultants (Hightstown, N.J.) and Joseph Zingale of Safety Management Marketing Specialists (Columbia, S.C.).
The Business of Doing Business
No ReMA convention would be complete without a collection of “business intelligence” workshops designed to help attendees achieve greater success in their companies. Two of those workshops focus on ISRI’s Recycling Industry Operating Standard™, a recycling-specific management system that recyclers can use to improve their performance in quality, environmental compliance, and health and safety. In “RIOS 1,” David Wagger, ISRI’s director of environmental management, and Tod Delaney of First Environment (Boonton, N.J.) will explain RIOS™, how it can help your company, and what’s next for the standard. The second session—“RIOS 2”—provides firsthand accounts from Joe Clayton of Synergy Recycling (Madison, N.C.) and Chris Bedell of The David J. Joseph Co. (Cincinnati) about how RIOS has made their companies safer and more productive, proactive, prepared, and profitable. The convention’s other business-focused sessions cover a host of operational, financial, and environmental topics, including stormwater compliance, Superfund protection, benchmarking best practices, retirement plans, and the following subjects:
Meeting the Challenges in Siting, Moving, or Expanding Operations. Whether you’re opening a new facility or moving, expanding, or closing your existing plant, this session is for you. Topics include managing risk, reducing liability, negotiating protective agreements, and coordinating tasks. Speakers include Richard Fil and Earl Phillips Jr. of Robinson & Cole (Hartford, Conn.) and California-based environmental consultant Robin Spencer.
Hedging in a Post-MF Global World. MF Global’s bankruptcy has prompted many commodity traders to seek better ways to manage risk. This workshop will outline what to con-
sider when selecting hedge funds. Moderator Mark Weintraub of Thomp-son Hine (Cleveland) will lead the session, which includes Terrence Davis of Thompson Hine (Washington, D.C.) and M. Ridgway Barker of Kelley Drye & Warren (Stamford, Conn.).
Fraud Prevention. Learn how to prevent fraud and embezzlement in your operations, including what critical signs to monitor and how to work with investigators if you suspect a problem. Bruce Blue of Freedom Metals (Louisville, Ky.) will moderate, with Christopher Bryan of Christopher S. Bryan CPA (Jacksonville, Fla.).
Materials Theft: Identifying Suspicious Materials. Recyclers must learn how to develop and use lists of potentially suspicious materials to protect themselves from purchasing stolen items. Gary Bush, ISRI’s director of materials theft prevention, and Joel Squadrito of OmniSource Corp. (Fort Wayne, Ind.) speak on this important topic.
Advanced Battery Recycling: Handling Hybrid and Electric Batteries. Moderator/speaker Toshi Fukui of Toyota Tsusho America (Torrance, Calif.), Mark Saxonberg of Toyota Motor Sales USA (Torrance), and Todd Coy of Toxco/Kinsbursky Brothers (Anaheim, Calif.) will review the recovery, collection, and recycling of end-of-life hybrid automotive batteries in North America as well as Toyota’s objectives, recycling partners, safety concerns, and compliance issues related to the collection of end-of-life hybrid batteries.
A Worldly Perspective
ISRI’s convention always has been an international event, and it draws a more diverse crowd every year. It’s fitting, therefore, that the event offers several globally focused workshops.
Panama Canal Modernization. The widening of the Panama Canal could open up East Coast markets and expand opportunities for scrap exporters. Leonard Zeid of Midland Davis Corp. (St. Louis) will review the project’s progress to date, along with Larry Daily of Alter Barge Line (Bettendorf, Iowa), Silvia de Marucci of the Panama Canal Authority (Miami), and Myles Cohen of Pratt Industries (Conyers, Ga.).
ICE Immigration Workshop. This session, featuring Special Agent William Shaw of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Washington, D.C.), will review how recyclers can spot fraudulent documents, comply with the federal Form I-9 requirements, and follow Immigration and Customs Enforcement best-hiring practices.
Exports and the Law. Andrew Bigart of Venable (Washington, D.C.) and Randy Goodman of Freedom Metals (Louisville, Ky.), chair of ISRI’s trade committee, will offer an attorney’s and a recycler’s perspective, respectively, of legal issues in the scrap export market.
U.S.-China Scrap Trade Consult Meeting. The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (Beijing) hosts this gathering, which provides a forum for Chinese and international scrap metal companies to discuss trade opportunities. CMRA representatives will address China’s scrap import policies, AQSIQ registration requirements, and other topics pertinent to the scrap trade in China.
Communications Strategies
Effective communication skills are essential for success, whether you’re interacting with the media, trying to connect with current or prospective customers, or talking with employees and vendors. In addition to the general session with communications expert Michael Maslansky, ISRI’s convention offers three workshops to help develop your skills in this area.
Communications: Media Training. Professional media strategists will provide information on how to handle members of the media, giving you the resources to promote and defend your business and industry as well as reach out to reporters when you want to pitch a story idea. You’ll learn how to answer reporters’ inquiries and what to wear if you agree to appear on camera.
Media Training Lab. This session lets attendees practice the skills they learned in the earlier media training workshop, as they role-play with industry reporters to practice off-the-record conversations. In the process, they’ll receive feedback and have an opportunity to meet some of the journalists who cover the scrap industry.
Marketing: Connecting With Your Customer in the Age of the Internet. Rachel H. Pollack, Scrap’s editor-in-chief, moderates this session, which will review tried-and-true as well as novel marketing approaches recycling companies can use to raise their profile and achieve greater success. Speakers include Albe Zakes of TerraCycle (Trenton, N.J.) and Tom Buechel of iScrap App (Rockaway, N.J.).
But Wait, There’s More!
Testing Your Metal. If you want a little hands-on action, look no further than the four metals-identification seminars held on the convention’s final day. Mark Lewon of Utah Metal Works (Salt Lake City) will lead the session on copper and brass, with other speakers and topics as follows: Jim Lawrence of ISA Alloys (Pittsburgh), nickel/stainless; Jeff Arrow of TIMCO (Fontana, Calif.), aluminum; and Jim Pasmore of Analytical Sales Training (Bend, Ore.), standard procedures and technologies used in materials identification.
Just for Fun. ISRI complements its slate of business-focused workshops with sessions tailored to attendees and their adult family members and guests who want a break from the convention routine. The choices include “Lessons in Gambling,” a poolside lounge, and a talk by Tosca Reno, the New York Times bestselling author, health and fitness expert, fitness model, and certified nutritional therapy practitioner who will speak about how she reinvented herself using her “Eat-Clean Diet.”
Just the Facts
Registration. The 2012 ReMA convention fee for full registrations after March 16 is $975 per person for ReMA members and their guests; $1,500 for nonmembers. Tickets for the trade show only (April 17-18) are $550 per person for ReMA members; $800 for nonmembers. Registering online at www.isriconvention.org is the easiest way to sign up, but you also can register by mail or fax. To register by mail, fill out a registration form (available online or in the mailed ReMA convention brochure) and send it with full payment or credit card information to ReMA Convention, 1615 L St. NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036-5664. To register by fax, send your completed registration form with credit card payment information to 202/624-9257. ReMA plans to send confirmations within two to four weeks of receipt of properly completed registrations. Contact ReMA if you do not receive a confirmation by then.
Please note: ReMA will not process registration forms that are not accompanied by payment in full or the required credit card information. It will process all registration forms received after April 6 on site.
Lodging. ISRI’s room blocks at its principal convention hotel properties—the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, THEhotel, and Luxor Las Vegas—were sold out at press time, but check www.isriconvention.org/hotels or contact the hotels for possible availability. For the Mandalay Bay and THEhotel, call 877/632-7000 or visit www.mandalaybay.com or www.mandalaybay.com/thehotel; for Luxor, call 877/386-4658 or visit www.luxor.com.
Visit www.isriconvention.org for the latest information and an interactive look at the expo floor.
On a Record Pace
As chair of ISRI’s convention committee, I’m excited about the association’s 2012 convention and exposition. The event’s registrations are proceeding at a breakneck pace, promising to make this a memorable—and possibly a record-setting—event. The convention’s schedule offers so many highlights, I hardly know where to start. At the top of the list, ReMA continues its rich distinguished-speaker tradition this year by featuring former President George W. Bush. Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, his speech is sure to give you something to ponder. The convention’s other general-session speaker, Michael Maslansky, is an expert in language and communication. His talk, which will feature an on-stage focus group of recycling professionals, will make you wonder: Have e-mail and other computerized communications made us less adept at talking directly with others and denied us the benefits of face-to-face conversations?
As usual, the ReMA convention gets rolling with a grand gala in the expo hall. While enjoying fabulous food and beverages, you can reconnect with old friends and colleagues, establish new ones, and begin exploring the exhibits and equipment displays. This year’s expanded hall—the largest in ReMA convention history—is completely full. Most major vendors of recycling-related equipment, technology, products, and services will be there, so don’t miss the industry’s biggest one-stop shop of the year.
Over the convention’s three full days—April 17-19—you can take advantage of dozens of educational workshops and commodity spotlights, all of which ReMA planned based on member input and needs. The sessions are designed to provide take-home information to help you achieve greater efficiency, safety, environmental compliance, and profit. The convention’s “Just for Fun” sessions, meanwhile, offer gambling lessons, a primer on healthy eating, and a poolside lounge. If you need a break from the action, the ReMA 2012 convention offers an array of hospitality areas and social and networking events where you can relax, connect, and recharge.
Notably, this year’s final convention day, April 19, will include a special ReMA board of directors meeting to elect the association’s new national officers. All ReMA members are invited to attend this important event.
ISRI will conclude its convention much like it did last year’s show, with a music-filled party. Dennis DeYoung, formerly lead singer and keyboard player of rock group Styx, will help you wrap up your convention experience on a high note—literally. I look forward to seeing all of you in Las Vegas this April.
Bruce Blue, Freedom Metals (Louisville, Ky.)
ISRI Convention Committee Chair
May the Highest Bidder Win
Of the myriad ways to spend your money in Las Vegas, there’s none better than participating in the annual silent auction to benefit the Recycling Research Foundation. Proceeds will help fund research that advances the industry and provide scholarships through certain ReMA chapters to employees or dependents and spouses of employees at ReMA member companies in those chapters. This year’s auction items include a photo op with former President George W. Bush, a Kindle Fire tablet, a Roll-Rite automatic tarping system, a magnet chain, a full set of ISRI’s safety videos, advertising space in industry trade magazines (including Scrap), and a mystery cash jar. RRF seeks additional auction items to aid this worthy cause. Contact Tom Crane at 202/662-8536 or tomcrane@isri.org for more information or to donate items.
Meeting and Greeting
The ReMA convention offers many formal and informal opportunities to network with colleagues and existing and prospective customers, including the ever-popular Meet Your Consumers reception and commodity-themed hospitality areas in the expo hall. This year, ReMA is offering two additional networking-focused programs:
ISRI Professional Advancement Networking Meeting. Recycling professionals with 10 years’ experience or less can learn from industry veterans at this workshop. Experienced executives—such as Mark Lewon of Utah Metal Works, ISRI’s national secretary/treasurer—will recount how they entered the business, key decisions they made along the way, and how ReMA has helped them. Attendees can gain additional insights in a question-and-answer session.
Commodity Networking. Processors, brokers, and consumers of all scrap commodities can meet informally in designated spaces prior to the Meet Your Consumers reception.
Getting Down to Nuts and Bolts
ISRI’s Toolbox Talks seminars are back this year, providing crash courses on a variety of equipment, technology, service, and operations topics. These exhibitor-led sessions, offered April 17-18, will cover credit risk management, perimeter security, mobile marketing/communication technology, shredder-drive maintenance, export-container loading, dust suppression, metal analysis, eddy-current separation, stormwater compliance, and more. Exhibitors will offer these sessions in a designated area on the expo floor near the nonferrous hospitality space—just look for the Toolbox Talks banner. Check the on-site ReMA convention brochure for a complete list of topics and times. In most cases, two workshops will take place in each time slot.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Sponsors make the ReMA convention more enjoyable, valuable, and memorable. This year, the following companies deserve recognition for their generosity and support.
Alpert & Alpert Iron & Metal: Cyber Café
America Metal Export: Tote bag insert
Caterpillar: Chair-elect’s general session
Coca-Cola Recycling: ReMA Café
Harris: Convention program
K&C Consulting Co.: Tote bag insert
K2 Castings: Tote bag insert
LBX Co.: Tote bags
Liberty Commodities: Ferrous hospitality
The Lucky Group/Fortune Metals:
Lanyards
Microsoft Registered Refurbisher
Program: Electronics hospitality
Northshore Manufacturing: Tote bag insert
Polar Rubber Products: Luggage tag
RecycleGuard®: Opening general session
Scrap Trading: Pocket schedule
Sennebogen: Highlighter pens,
expo floor stickers
Tung Tai Group: Aluminum spotlight