News about SFNE Events, Buy American Legislation, Board Elections and More!

SFNE News - January 2022

From left to right: Mark Delaney, Delaney & Associates; Stephen Capone, Capone Iron Corporation; and Lori Chasse and Steve Chasse, SL Chasse Steel.

Click here to see more event photos and sponsors.

SFNE Networking Marketplace

December 9, 2021

Some 100 people gathered together on Thursday, December 9th for the first SFNE in-person meeting held since the beginning of the Pandemic.

SL Chasse Steel graciously hosted the well-attended event, which also featured 24 sponsors.

Highlights of the meeting included sponsor tabletop visits, SL Chasse Steel tours, networking with colleagues and industry friends, hors d’oeuvres, and an open beer and wine bar! The program also featured the SFNE Annual Meeting, the election of the Board of Directors, and a Buy American Legislative Update.

Special thanks to Lori Chasse for the organizing and logistical help!

Thanks also to everyone who brought unwrapped gifts for Toys For Tots. The generosity of SFNE members and colleagues is appreciated and undoubtedly helped children in need this past Christmas.

Buy American Legislative Updates

Massachusetts

Last fall, legislation was filed in Massachusetts to reduce publicly funded steel fabrication jobs awarded to foreign companies.

Senate Bill S2546 , filed by Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem), would require cities and towns to give preference to U.S. manufacturers when buying steel, iron, and other materials for new buildings and renovations.

This legislation currently has 25 sponsors and is awaiting action in the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

To move the bill forward, the SFNE Buy American Task Force members continue to testify at public hearings and meet with government officials and legislators.

New Hampshire

Buy American legislation has just been filed in New Hampshire. Senate Bill #438 was filed by Senator Tom Sherman (District 24).

This bill would require publicly funded construction projects to give preference to U.S. manufacturers when buying steel, iron, and other materials for new buildings and renovations.

On January 13th, several New Hampshire members testified in support of the legislation before the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee, where the bill awaits action.

Senate Bill #438 currently has 14 sponsors.

You can help move the new legislation by sending a letter of support to your legislator. Click here for more information.

Special Thanks!

While the efforts of all Buy American Task Force members are appreciated, special recognition is due to Hollie Noveletsky from Novel Iron and Stephen Capone from Capone Iron Corporation. Together they have contributed enormously to the success of these essential legislative campaigns.

SFNE Needs Your Financial Support!

If you have not yet contributed to the Buy American Legislative Campaigns, please do so now!

To contribute, you can mail a check to the address listed below or use this secure online form.

Upcoming SFNE and Industry Events

February 17, 2022

AISC Certification:

The Process of Becoming Certified Webinar

9:00 am – 10:00 am

Have you been thinking about applying for AISC Certification? Or are you a current participant and thinking about adding a new certification or endorsement?

Project owners and designers know that AISC certification ensures a high level of quality control and assurance on their steel construction projects. The presentation will show how you and your company can achieve this and the process by which you can become certified.

Click here to register and for more information.

March 23-25, 2022

NASCC: The Steel Conference

Denver, CO

NASCC: The Steel Conference is the premier educational and networking event for the structural steel industry, bringing together structural engineers, structural steel fabricators, erectors, detailers, and architects.

In addition to 150+ practical seminars on the latest design concepts, construction techniques, and cutting-edge research, the conference also features 200+ exhibitors showcasing products ranging from structural design software to machinery for cutting steel beams, and plentiful networking opportunities.

Click here to register and for more information.

Election News | Board of Directors

SFNE is pleased to announce that the membership has elected a new Board of Directors! The election took place during the Annual Meeting held at SL Chasse Steel on December 9^th. New terms for officers and directors elected began on January 1, 2022.

Officers elected include:

President: Stephen Capone, Capone Iron Corporation;

Vice President: James McBrady, James A. McBrady, Inc.;

Secretary: Colleen Wiesbrock, Infra-Metals Corporation;

Treasurer: Lori Chasse, SL Chasse Steel; and

Immediate Past President: Rick Coughlin, Quinn Brothers Iron

Directors elected include:

Justin Auciello, Auciello Iron Works;
David Cronin, Jr., D. Cronin's Welding Service;
Hollie Noveletsky, Novel Iron;
David Orlando, Berlin Steel Construction Co.;
John Roy, Connecticut Galvanizing; and
Justin Schietinger, Intsel Steel

Directors continuing service include:

Kris Kraft, EDM Construction;
Randy Cameron, Gerdau;
Glenn Salamone, QSR Steel; and
Mike Sams, Kenney & Sams

SFNE would like to acknowledge Rens Hayes from Rens Welding & Fabricating, Inc. Rens retired from the SFNE Board at the end of 2021 after serving for many years. We will miss Rens’ leadership, but the good news is that he has agreed to once again serve on the Golf Committee!