(Click here for Appalachian Institute Calendar)

Toward A Sustainable Steel Industry: The Future of Steel in the United States Hosted by the Clifford M. Lewis, S.J. Appalachian Institute at Wheeling Jesuit University Location: Troy Theater Date: April 10-11, 2003 Steel jobs have been essential to the industrial backbone of this country for much of the 20th century. This important industry has been in a period of contraction for more than a quarter of a century. In response, the Appalachian Institute convened a major conference to gather various stakeholders to examine the steel industry in the eastern U.S. The Future of Steel Conference dealt conceptually and concretely with the prospects of an industry under increased pressure from the global steel market. Specifically, this conference examined the question of the future of the industry and how it can be made sustainable, i.e., providing support sufficient to sustain communities and families. Experiences in other countries also was considered and examined. The plight of the U.S. steel industry is of concern especially in light of international pressure to ease, or do away with, tariffs which are scheduled to end in 2003-2004. Representatives from regional steel companies, union locals, rank and file, AFL-CIO, various politicos, and interested others gathered at the same table to address common concerns. Finding common ground by reflective dialogue enables the various parties to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the plight of U.S. manufacturing. Reaching a common analysis empowers the various parties, who approach with varying perspectives, to speak with a common vocabulary and work toward a mutual goal-creating a sustainable industry. To obtain a written summary on this conference, please contact the Appalachian Institute: ai@wju.edu Or download a .pdf version if you have Adobe Reader: Future of Steel Report