Business Topics

For many in the distribution industry, the Payment Protection Program administered by the Small Business Administration was a lifeline to rescue them from the worst of the coronavirus-induced recession of 2020. One year on, the loans remain a valuable tool to help businesses navigate the continued challenges that have resulted from COVID-19.

To become a terrific manager, the objective of Mark Ernst’s presentation at the March FMA Virtual Conference, it helps to ask a few questions of yourself.

Steel prices have risen relentlessly since bottoming out last summer and hit new record highs last month. But there are signs the astonishing uptrend in steel may finally be losing steam.

When you are a human resource professional or hiring leader, firing right is just as important a part of your job as is hiring right. No one wakes up in the morning looking forward to terminating a staff member’s employment. In fact, people hate it so much they often wait far too long.

People from diverse backgrounds have found their careers in the metals industry. However, professional growth and promotions in this field more readily happen for men than women.

The encroachment of technology into the distribution space is as steady as it is inevitable. If a transformative development has not yet touched on the space of a distribution business, it will soon.

There are no “normal” workdays anymore thanks to COVID-19, disrupted supply chains, newly emerged customers and vanished historical customers. Businesses, employees, customers and suppliers are in a daily struggle to adapt, to adjust and to continue to have their businesses exist.

Attracting and retaining talent in the workforce is challenging in any industry, and the metals industry is no exception. At the Steel Market Update virtual conference in August, two presenters gave their perspectives on bringing in – and keeping – the next generation of employees.

Our economic fortunes may hinge on the scientists...Timothy Gill, chief economist for the American Iron and Steel Institute, offered a range of thoughts on the overall economy and the outlook for steel during a webinar with Steel Market Update in mid-August.

In May, marketing expert Steve Miller conducted a webinar sponsored by the International Manufacturing Technology Show organizers. The webinar focused on helping businesses become “uncopyable”...