Meet me on the beach at the NASPD 2007 Fall Conference Cancun ...

PERMIT NO. 1519WACO, TEXASNational Association ofSteel Pipe Distributors, Inc.1501 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 307Victoria, TX 77904PAIDPRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEThe Official Publication of the National Association of Steel Pipe Distributors, Inc. • 3rd Issue 2007<strong>Meet</strong> <strong>me</strong> on the beach at theNASPD 2007 Fall ConferenceCancun, MexicoPhotos courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Mexico

Corporate Headquarters - Mineola, NY (800) 272-8277www.vasspipe.comHouston, TX (888) 839-8277 Baton Rouge, LA (225) 755-8277

MARK YOUR CALENDARSDON’T FORGET YOURPASSPORT FOR CANCUNJust a reminder to A<strong>me</strong>rican citizens, if youplan to attend our Fall Conference inCancun, October 11-13, you will berequired to have a passport. Also bringanother form of identification in addition toyour passport, i.e. driver’s license or birthcertificate, as it will help speed the re-entryprocess.2007 Fall ConferenceOctober 11-13, 2007The Ritz CarltonCancun, Mexico2008 Annual ConventionFebruary 28-March 1, 2008Wynn HotelLas Vegas, NV2008 Sum<strong>me</strong>r ConferenceJune 12-14, 2008The Fairmont San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA2008 Fall ConferenceOctober 9-11, 2008The Fairmont Copley PlazaBoston, MA2009 Annual ConventionFebruary/March 2009Los Angeles, CA2009 Sum<strong>me</strong>r ConferenceJune 2009Jackson Hole, WY2009 Fall ConferenceSeptember/October 2009Chicago, ILTrainingManualA comprehensivebody of knowledgespecifically for thetubular products industry.Order yours today!Call 361-574-7878 or go to:http://www.naspd.comPresident’s MessageHola Everyone,I cannot believe that we are already movinginto the last quarter of 2007. Cancunpromises to be a great <strong>me</strong>eting thanks to allour South of the border <strong>me</strong>mbers that havereally co<strong>me</strong> through on this program. Pleasebe sure and give a special thanks to JesusGutierrez for all his ti<strong>me</strong> and effort.Bill Buckland and his committee have onceagain exceeded our expectations and puttogether an outstanding lineup of presentersfor our Steel Pipe Basic Education courseset for November 12-13th in Houston. Thedeadline to register is October 22nd, so don'tforget to register new or old employees thatcould really benefit from this course.Finally, with year-end approaching and2008 budget talks on the agenda for CancunI would be remiss if I did not <strong>me</strong>ntion what aNASPDPIPELINE STAFF and NASPD CONTACTINFORMATIONExecutive Director/Publisher Susannah Feux PorrOffice Administrator Gail BelcikEditor/Publishing Services/Advertising SalesLinda W. KeyNASPD MEMBERSHIP AND SERVICES:NASPD Headquarters:1501 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 307Victoria, TX 77904Phone: 361-574-7878; Fax: 832-201-9479E-mail: info@naspd.comOffice hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm CSTWeb site: http://www.naspd.com.ADVERTISING IN PIPELINE:Linda Key: phone 361-574-7888; fax 361-574-7197;email: lwk@key-assoc.com; delivery address foradvertising materials: 103 Garden Place, Victoria, TX77904.© 2007 National Association of Steel Pipe Distributors,Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may bereproduced or utilized in any form, or by any <strong>me</strong>ans,electronic or <strong>me</strong>chanical, including photocopy or otherrecording, or by any information storage or retrievalsystem, without the express written permission of thepublisher, the National Association of Steel PipeDistributors, Inc. (NASPD), a nonprofit organizationrepresenting the steel pipe and tubing industry. Theviews expressed herein are the opinions of the authors,and do not necessarily represent the policies or opinionsof NASPD.Dianne Burger,NASPDPresidentgreat year theNASPD has hadin all areas butmost notably in Program, Membership andEducation. I have also learned first-hand justhow lucky we are to have such a great staff,Thanks Susannah and Gail for all your hardwork!See ya in Cancun,DispatchesContributed by NASPD MembersIPSCO ANNOUNCESSENIOR MANAGEMENTTEAM FOLLOWINGACQUISITION BY SSAB[Lisle, Illinois] – IPSCO Inc. announcedthe appoint<strong>me</strong>nt of its new seniormanage<strong>me</strong>nt team working out of theDivision headquarters in Lisle, Illinois.John Tulloch has been appointed Presidentof IPSCO Inc. responsible for managing allof the existing IPSCO businesses, as aDivision of SSAB Svenskt Stal AB. Inaddition Tulloch will be Executive VicePresident IPSCO Division of SSAB and a<strong>me</strong>mber of SSAB’s Group Manage<strong>me</strong>nt.Tulloch joined IPSCO in 1977 and has hadsenior positions in both the steel and pipebusinesses, most recently as Executive VicePresident, Steel and Chief Com<strong>me</strong>rcialOfficer. The IPSCO Senior Manage<strong>me</strong>ntteam (all of whom will be located in Lisle)reporting to John Tulloch include:Vicki Avril – Senior Vice President –Tubular(continued on pg. 4 - DISPATCHES)

From the Executive Directorby Susannah Feux PorrNASPD Executive DirectorWe are very excited about our CancunConference. Jesus Gutierrez wasinstru<strong>me</strong>ntal in getting a stellar lineup forour program. Please take a mo<strong>me</strong>nt to thankhim for his hard work. Mike Evans, ourProgram Chairman, has consistently helpedproduce great programs since he first tookoffice, but he can’t do it alone. We both wantto thank those who were able to stepforward to help put together the kind ofprograms we all enjoy.On November 12-13 of this year, theNASPD will be conducting a Steel PipeBasic Education Course. This will be ourthird course and is an opportunity to get agreat overview of the industry in a shortperiod of ti<strong>me</strong>. All participants will receiveeither a “Certificate of Attendance” or a“Certificate of Competency”. Competencywill be <strong>me</strong>asured by an exam given at theend of the second day. In addition to thematerial found in the NASPD TrainingManual, experts in each of the various fieldswill contribute their knowledge andexperience. The cost of the program is $500which includes a $100 Training Manual,$35 Tubular Products Manual, breakfast,happy hour, and snacks. For a program or toregister, visit our website atwww.naspd.com. Be sure to thank BillBuckland and Gerald Merfish for theircommit<strong>me</strong>nt to keeping this successfulprogram going, it would not be possiblewithout them. Thanks to the determinationof Don Bohach, the NASPD has <strong>me</strong>t thestandards and require<strong>me</strong>nts of the NCEESRegistered Continuing Education ProvidersProgram. Credit earned on completion ofthis program will be reported to RCEPP.Certificates of completion will be issued toall participants.We are very excited aboutthis and it is well earned acknowledg<strong>me</strong>nt toBill, Gerald, Don and all the presenters whoworked so hard to create this program.Don Bohach has also taken on the dauntingtask of updating our Training Manual withthe help of Todd Womble, Bill Buckland,Gerald Merfish, Martin Leeland and others.If you wish to assist him or have suggestionsplease give us a call.ListYourPipe...OnlineDon’t forget to list your pipe on ourPipeline Online. This is a <strong>me</strong>thod foryou to list your inventory free of charge.This free service is available only forNASPD Regular Members. Don’thesitate - join your competitors and listyour pipe today. Take advantage of thisgreat marketing tool for your business -absolutely free.The Pipeline Online allows otherNASPD <strong>me</strong>mbers to see what you havein inventory and then contact youdirectly. To access this service log on tothe NASPD website at www.naspd.comand click on “Pipeline Online”.(continued from pg.4 - DISPATCHES)David Britten – Senior Vice President –SteelSteve Hansen – Vice President and ChiefTechnical OfficerMichele Klebuc-Si<strong>me</strong>s – Vice President,General Counsel and Corporate SecretaryGreg Maindonald – Vice President,Operations ServicesPhil Marusarz – Vice President and ChiefFinancial OfficerRay Rarey – Vice President and ChiefHuman Resources OfficerTim Wensits – Vice President and ChiefInformation Officer“I am excited about the depth of knowledgeand continuing experience thismanage<strong>me</strong>nt team brings to IPSCO withinthe SSAB organization and am veryenthusiastic about the future of thebusiness,” Tulloch said.David Sutherland, for<strong>me</strong>rly President andCEO, Joseph Russo, for<strong>me</strong>rly Senior VicePresident and Chief Technical Officer, andLeslie Lederer, for<strong>me</strong>rly CorporateCounsel, have all retired from IPSCO.Peter MacPhail, for<strong>me</strong>rly Vice President ofPrimary Operations and President IPSCOSaskatchewan Inc. will be retiring in thenear future.Clean & Green Port ofHouston Program LaunchThe Port of Houston Authorityhas unveiled a Public/PrivatePartnership to Clean andRestore Buffalo Bayou and theHouston Ship Channel. Theprogram will utilize communityservice workers through theHarris County judiciary systemto clean up litter and debris inand around Buffalo Bayou andthe Houston Ship Channel. This publicprivatepartnership will be spearheaded bythe Port of Houston Authority and theBuffalo Bayou Partnership with majorsupport from corporate sponsor Shell OilCompany.The Port of Houston faces the ongoingchallenge of floating debris deposited intoBuffalo Bayou and floating into theTurning Basin and Galveston Bay.Houston's storm drain system is unique inthat there are no litter contain<strong>me</strong>nt<strong>me</strong>chanisms. Anything that enters aHouston storm drain is dumped directlyinto its bayous. All discarded soda cans,plastic bags, Styrofoam cups and other litterfrom streets enter into thisdrainage system. After adownpour, a tidal wave of trashflows towards the Port ofHouston, and ultimatelyGalveston Bay, causingsevere environ<strong>me</strong>ntal problems.The program aims to collect inexcess of 10 cubic yards of debrisper day over the next year, whichis enough to fill 83 garbage trucks. This willresult in a cleaner and more beautifulwaterway.(continued on pg. 7 - DISPATCHES)

Trinity Products, Inc.1969 West Terra Lane • O’Fallon, MO 63366 • 800-456-7473 • sales@trinityinc.comCheck out our web site.www.trinityinc.com

---SINCE 1980---Specializing in heavy wall Pipe &Tubing cut to length. Pri<strong>me</strong> X-Gradeheavy wall Line Pipe.6495 ft. 6.625 x.500 APIX654600 ft. 6.625 x.611 A106C4243 ft. 8.625 x 1.158 APIX7038390 ft. 10.75 x.279 #2 Used1278 ft. 10.75 x.438 APIX651250 ft. 12.75 x 1.00 Surplus9600 ft. 16.00 x.500 A106B104500 ft. 16.00 x.250 #2 Used2900 ft. 16.00 x.250 API X656800 ft. 16.00 x.375 #2 Used126 ft. 16.00 x 1.219 APIX523350 ft. 18.00 x.500 Surplus402 ft. 18.00 x.750 A106B2200 ft. 22.00 x.375 #2 Used1300 ft. 24.00 x.375 APIX65220 ft. 24.00 x 1.00 APIX701040 ft. 24.00 x 1.00 Surplus8636 ft. 26.00 x.625 APIX423600 ft. 26.00 x.750 APIX56720 ft. 26.00 x.750 APIX65353 ft. 28.00 x 1.00 Surplus160 ft. 28.00 x 1.00 APIX423076 ft. 42.00 x.630 APIX70The O<strong>me</strong>ga Steel Group consistsof O<strong>me</strong>ga Steel,Premium Pipe,and Sligo Steel, the oldest SteelCompany west of the Mississippi,established in 1834.6 PipelineGuest ArticleBy Bob Cicerone, Richard Sassaman,and John SwinneyIn recent years it has beco<strong>me</strong> a commonpractice for companies to use continuousprocess improve<strong>me</strong>nt <strong>me</strong>thods to improveinternal work processes involved in thedelivery of services or the manufacture ofproducts. While improving work processes isimportant, these efforts are typically guided bya vantage point that is both limited andlimiting. Limited because the only focus is onwhat exists within a company; a company isviewed as if it operates in a vacuum. Limitingbecause the vantage point cannot help amanage<strong>me</strong>nt team to ensure that theircompany is kept in close align<strong>me</strong>nt withcritical ele<strong>me</strong>nts of its environ<strong>me</strong>nt.Every company operates in relationship to anenviron<strong>me</strong>nt that surrounds it.Acompany bothacts upon its environ<strong>me</strong>nt and is acted upon byits environ<strong>me</strong>nt. For this reason, the effort toimprove a company’s internal processesshould be guided by a vantage point thatreflects the reciprocal relationship between acompany and its environ<strong>me</strong>nt.The appropriate vantage point is a systemsapproach: that is, to look at a company as onepart of a larger, multi-part, continuouslyinteracting system. This larger system is thebusiness environ<strong>me</strong>nt within which acompany exists and functions. A company’sbusiness environ<strong>me</strong>nt consists of at least fiveele<strong>me</strong>nts: the company itself, custo<strong>me</strong>rs, noncusto<strong>me</strong>rs,suppliers, and regulatoryorganizations. Its business environ<strong>me</strong>ntprovides various inputs to a company and alsoreceives the company's outputs. The drawingbelow shows the interactive relationshipbetween a company and its businessenviron<strong>me</strong>nt.Examples of a company’s inputs includepay<strong>me</strong>nts of its invoices, orders or executedcontracts, requestsIncrease YourResults FromContinuousProcessImprove<strong>me</strong>ntfor information about its products or services,requests for its proposals or quotes, invoicesfor products and services sold to thecompany, regulatory require<strong>me</strong>nts, andvarious resources such as utilities, officesupplies, and the materials used to produceproducts and/or deliver services.The systems vantage point asks thesequestions for each input.1. What standards must this input <strong>me</strong>et forquality, quantity, ti<strong>me</strong>liness and cost?2. Ideally, what should the internal processfor this input look like when it is flowchartedto ensure that this inputconsistently <strong>me</strong>ets its standards?3. When the currently existing internalprocess for this input is flow-charted, doesit look like the ideal flow chart created inanswer to Question 2?4. Does the currently existing internalprocess result in this input consistently<strong>me</strong>eting its standards?5. If the answer to Question 3 and/or 4 is‘No’, what changes must be made to thecurrently existing process so it looks andfunctions like the process that was flowchartedin answer to Question 2?Examples of a company’s outputs include itsproducts, services, information about itsproducts or services, proposals and quotes,invoices (accounts receivable), pay<strong>me</strong>nts forpurchases made by the company, andevidence of regulatory compliance.The systems vantage point asks thesequestions for each output.1. What standards must this output <strong>me</strong>et forquality, quantity, ti<strong>me</strong>liness and cost?(continued on pg. 18 - IMPROVEMENT)SuppliersNon-Custo<strong>me</strong>rs1-800-325-90003460 Hollenberg DriveSt. Louis, MO 63044(314) 209-0992Fax (314) 209-0998www.o<strong>me</strong>gasteel.comInputsOrders & contractsPay<strong>me</strong>ntsResourcesRequests for info, quotes, proposalsInvoices - accounts payableRegulatory require<strong>me</strong>ntsCusto<strong>me</strong>rsABC CompanyInternal Processes forInputs and OutputsRegulatorsOutputsProductsServicesInfo, proposals, quotesPay<strong>me</strong>nts for purchasesInvoices - accounts receivableEvidence of regulatory complianceThe reciprocal relationship between a company and its business environ<strong>me</strong>nt

Pipeline 7(continued from pg. 4 - DISPATCHES)Northwest Pipe Company Announces$10 Million OrderNorthwest Pipe Company reported in that it was na<strong>me</strong>d as pipesupplier by Teichert Construction of Sacra<strong>me</strong>nto, California forthe Nacimiento Project Pipeline Section 1 for San Luis ObispoCounty.The Company will supply approximately 120,000 feet of steelpipe valued at approximately $10 million for an engineered andcustom fabricated piping system. The pipe is expected to bemanufactured in the Company's Adelanto, California divisionwith delivery scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2008.Northwest Pipe Company manufactures welded steel pipe andother products in three business seg<strong>me</strong>nts: Water TransmissionGroup, Tubular Products Group and Fabricated Products Group.The Company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has tenmanufacturing facilities across the United States and Mexico.Marmon/Keystone hosts Annual SupplierQuality DayMore than 120 multinational supplier representatives from 45qualifying companies participated in the activities. In hiswelcoming remarks, executive vice president J.T. “Tim”Spatafore noted that this marks the thirteenth year of progressunder the company’s Supplier Quality System (SQS).Norman E. Gottschalk, Jr., Marmon/Keystone President, and TimSpatafore presented an award to RathGibson of North Branch,New Jersey for achieving perfect performance for on-ti<strong>me</strong>delivery, zero defects, and outstanding service. Recognized asmost improved suppliers were CPW A<strong>me</strong>ricaof Houston, Texas for the U.S. operations andRathGibson of Janesville, Wisconsin forMarmon/Keystone Canada.Suppliers were thanked for their extraordinaryperformance in 2006 and for theirparticipation in the company’s ongoingbusiness simplification projects such as ASN(advance shipping notice). The companyreported on the advantages of offeringadditional services and the increasingdemands of value added parts. Theimportance of a strong global supply chain,focusing on strategic planning andopportunities was emphasized.Guest speaker Daniel Pryor of the CarlyleGroup spoke on private equity and the steelbusiness.Initiated in late 1993, the SQS, in conjunctionwith Marmon/Keystone’s QualityImprove<strong>me</strong>nt Process, was established toimprove the company’s competitive strengthby creating and maintaining standards to<strong>me</strong>asure and evaluate total supplier quality.This system has benefitted custo<strong>me</strong>rs byimproved service through error reduction,better product quality, and an increase in onti<strong>me</strong>deliveries.(continued on pg. 9 - DISPATCHES)X-52International Inc.INVENTORY*Quantity OD Wall Grade Process Mill Coatings10,101’ 8.625” 0.562” X65 SMLS NORTH STAR FBE551’157’30”30”0.751”0.874”X70X7024800 Pitkin Road, Suite AThe Woodlands, TX 77386Phone (281) 367-6608Fax (281) 367-9017DSAWDSAW*All items offered are subject to prior sale**Buttress Casing • Threaded with CouplingMANMANBAREBAREwww.pri<strong>me</strong>pipe.combud@pri<strong>me</strong>pipe.comjim@pri<strong>me</strong>pipe.comTEXAS PIPE & SUPPLY CO.-SINCE 1918-www.Texaspipe.comIn addition to the standardstocking pipe we also carry:DSAWThe Master Distributor in Steel PipeSeamless 1/8” - 26” all schedulesERW 1/2”- 48” Std, XH, true schedulesDSAW 26” - 48”Texas Pipe is a full-range supplierof Pri<strong>me</strong>, New Steel Pipe withstocking locations across the countryCorpus Christi, TXDenver, COHammond, INLakeland, FL• X-52 Seamless and Welded• A333 Grade 6 Seamless• Stainless SteelERW up to 24” S/5, 10, 40S, 80SSeamless up to 24” most schedulesFittings and Flanges up to 24”Houston - Headquarters713-799-9235Morgan City, LAMobile, ALMiddlesex, NJCHARLOTTE, NCA333-6STAINLESS

8 PipelineWelco<strong>me</strong>New MembersPlease join NASPD inwelcoming our newest <strong>me</strong>mbers.Baker Sales, Inc.Baker Sales, Inc. is a returning regular<strong>me</strong>mber. Their product grades are pri<strong>me</strong>tested; new surplus; untested; limited service;structural; fence pipe and tubing of do<strong>me</strong>sticand foreign origin. Specifications handled areASTM A53 GRA Black and GalvanizedSCH40; SCH80 and SCH10, Plain End andT & C; A53 B/API 5LB/X-42; A53 B/A106Grade B Welded and Seamless; F1083 GPE;BSS 1387 GPE and other fence tubing andfence products, A135/A-95; A252; A501;A134;A500;A589;ASME SA-5;ASME SA-106; and API 5L. Sizes ranges include allsizes 1/2" through 24"; Standard, SCH40;SCH80 Extra Heavy and light walls.Highlighted services offered are cutting;beveling; exporting; refurbishing; cleaning;painting, restenciling; and quick delivery.Transportation options are common carriers;rail; barge; and overnight motor freight.RobertA. Baker is the NASPD contact.Baker Sales, Inc.P. O. Box 5100Slidell, LA 70469-5100(p) 985-641-6200(f) 985-641-5200Email: bob@bakersalespipe.comDSL CorporationDSL Corporation is an associate <strong>me</strong>mber.They represent manufacturers of ERW linepipe up to 24" OD; DSAW and heavy wallpipe up to 60"; OCTG tubing and casing in J-55, N-80, L-80 and P110; andsquare/rectangular tubing in 1/2" x 1/2" up to16" x 16" x 0.500". They carry pri<strong>me</strong> grade offoreign origin. Specifications handled areASTM A500; API 5CT J-55, N-80, L-80 andTHE PIPE MILLWITH FAST SERVICESTOCKS:ROLLS TO ORDER:30 O.D.–48 0.D. 26 O.D.–168 O.D..312–.813 W .188–1.25 W20 FT. LENGTHS LENGTH UP TO 80 FT.STRAIGHT SEAM–D.S.A.W.LEAD TIME: 0-2 WEEKSCALL JACK BARD1–800–821–3475FAX 815-964-00451025 SCHOOL ST.ROCKFORD, IL 31105-0898ARNTZEN MAKES YOUR DEALS WORKwhile OTCG specs handled are API 5CT H-40, J-55, N-80, L-80, and P110. Size rangesinclude square/rectangular tubing in 1/2" x1/2" up to 16" x 16"; ERW line pipe in 1-1/2"up to 24", 60" in DSAW; OCTG tubing andcasing in 1.900" up to 20" OD. Servicesoffered by DSL are punctual delivery,competitive prices and non-price competitiveservices.Matthew Lee is the NASPD contact.DSLCorporation16420 Park Ten Place, Suite #400Houston, TX 77084(p) 281-647-9500(f) 281-647-6075Energy Alloys, LLCEnergy Alloys, LLC, an associate <strong>me</strong>mber,manufacturers roundbar products 2.75" - 20"OD, 1019/1045, EA4130, 4145, 4140 andtubular products 1.315" - 30" OD, 4130, 4140,2205, 2550, G-3 OCTG - 2-3/8" - 20" OD;APIN-80 - P-110, CRA 13"- G3 in pri<strong>me</strong> API &CRA grades. Products originate from USS,Tenaris, Tubacex (D) (F/D) (F). Specificationshandled are ASTM, NACE L-80 - CRA, A193B7, and API SCT while OTCG specs handledare Carbon - N-80 through P-110, CRA -Duplex, Super Duplex, Nickel Based Alloys,22 CR through G3. Sizes range from 2-3/8" -7". Services offered include Saw Cut toLength, Turn, Bore, Hone, and Other ValueNASPDMEMBERProfessionalAffiliate MemberCoverages Available:PropertyBusiness Inco<strong>me</strong> andExtra ExpenseEDP-ComputerEquip<strong>me</strong>ntBreakdownTransportationCoverageGeneral LiabilityIncluding Productsand CompletedOperationsAutomobile — TruckFleetWorkersCompensationUmbrella LiabilityAdded, i.e: Threading. Transportation isthrough common carriers.Thomas Slaughter is the NASPD contact.EnergyAlloys, LLC350 Glenborough, Suite #300Houston, TX 77067(p) 832-601-5891(f) 832-601-5899Independence Tube Corp.Independence Tube Corporation, anAssociate <strong>me</strong>mber, is a 35 year oldmanufacturer of structural steel tubing. Thespecifications they handle are ASTM A500,A252, and A53 untested pri<strong>me</strong> and secondaryfrom do<strong>me</strong>stic origins. Current size rangesinclude Pipe Size Tube 6" to 12”, structuralSquare and Rectangular Tube 2" sq to 12”with the ability to run wall thickness from1/8” to 5/8”. Highlighted services offered arecut to length, flash removal and specialtolerances. The company uses rail andcommon carrier for transportation.Jim O'Shea is the NASPD contact.Independence Tube Corporation6226West 74th StreetChicago, IL60638(P) 800-376-6000(F) 708-563-1950(continued on pg. 19- NEW MEMBERS)CACCRANECarleton-Berra InsuranceatCrane AgencyInsurance Brokers Since 1885We are specialists in risk manage<strong>me</strong>nt forsteel pipe distributors.15 of your fellow <strong>me</strong>mbers are currentclients — so<strong>me</strong> for 12+ years. We willgladly refer you to one or more ofthem when you call us.Contact: Bill Carleton or Tom Berra, Jr.100 S. Fourth St., Ste. 800St. Louis, MO 63102-1820Ph: 800-946-3884, Fax: 800-946-5670E-mail: Carletonb@craneagency.com or Berrajr@craneagency.com

Pipeline 9(continued from pg. 7 - DISPATCHES)Tex-TubeCompletesMulti-MillionDollar MillUpgradeImproving Ray DavilaProduction CapabilitiesTex-Tube, a Villacero EnterpriseCompany, is proud to announce it hasrecently completed a multi-million dollarmill upgrade. The Houston-basedcompany makes bothAPI line and standardpipe for sales and distribution throughoutthe country.Raymond Davila, Tex-Tube Vice Presidentof Sales, is confident that this recent facelift will be welco<strong>me</strong>d by both custo<strong>me</strong>rsand prospects alike as they see theproduction capabilities and improve<strong>me</strong>nts(continued on pg. 10 - DISPATCHES)PIPEANDTUBINGNew Non Tested Structural Grade PipeA53 Grade A & BSpecializing in 3/4” thru 36”Sucker Rod - Guardrail - Coil Tubing“Surplus, Reject Square and Rectangular Tubing”“We buy your secondary/surplus steel products”Buying, Selling, and Shipping Nationwidewww.kahnsteel.comSince 1978Kahn Steel Co.Everything in Steel and then So<strong>me</strong>.Your Ag Fence Specialists800-828-KAHN / 800-684-KAHNNew 36” x .450’ x 40’ BEV Pipe - Do<strong>me</strong>stic15470 Bay Tree LandingCypress, TX713-463-0202 Office713-963-0202 Cellularvgrether@entouch.netVonnieGretherPersonnel, Inc.Vonnie Grether specializes insupplying quality candidates forthe Steel Pipe and Tube Industry.Recruiting emphasizedexperience in the industry andteam building within a company.• Administrative Staffing• Accounting/Financial• Sales Assistants• Logistics• Inside Sales• Outside Sales• Manage<strong>me</strong>ntKAYEM Pipe & Steel, Inc.P.O. Box 130143, Dallas, TX 75313-0143(214) 979-0042 (214) 979-0074 FaxOver thirty five years of experience in servicing and supplyingthe Oil & Gas Industry with Pri<strong>me</strong> API OCTG and Line Pipe.Our stock size ranges:Casing: 4-1/2” thru 16” J-55 & Alloy GradeTubing: 1-1/4” thru 3-1/2” J-55 & Alloy GradeLine Pipe: 2-3/4” thru 12-3/4” API 5L, X-42, & A-106Please call or e-mail us for your tubular require<strong>me</strong>nts.d.kayem@kayempipe.com (Doug)max.kayem@kayempipe.com (Max)ds.ashley@kayempipe.com (Donna Sue)g.conly@kayempipe.com (Glen)s.guckian@kayempipe.com (Sheila)j.mustafaa@kayempipe.com (Joyce)Houston Office: (713) 253-0833f.lundberg@kayempipe.com (Fred)g.hillman@kayempipe.com (Garrett)

10 Pipeline(continued from pg. 9 - DISPATCHES)in both line and standard grade pipe.Davila explains: “We have installed over five million dollars ofproduction line improve<strong>me</strong>nts which include a new line saw, newbevellers, new hydrostatic testers, additional ultrasonic testingequip<strong>me</strong>nt that will test the material after it is hydrotested --upgrading our entire line pipe production capabilities. In addition,we now have a complete in-line package for standard pipe. With thecompletion of the upgrade the mill now <strong>me</strong>ets all require<strong>me</strong>ntsrequested by our custo<strong>me</strong>rs.”Davila is also encouraged that their new upgraded mill will attractmore oil companies as well as line pipe operators. He is confidenttheir products will now be approved by all of their custo<strong>me</strong>rs as wellas prospective custo<strong>me</strong>rs for their line pipe product needs.Other improve<strong>me</strong>nts to the plant include the capability to nowproduce triple random length material that is required in so<strong>me</strong>markets. And they made improve<strong>me</strong>nts in the lacquering ofstandard pipe resulting in a higher quality finish of all their standardpipe products.“Our parent company, Villacero, is committed to making Tex-Tubea state-of-the-art operation to better serve our custo<strong>me</strong>rs,” Davilaconcludes.Villacero, Tex-Tube's parent company, is based in Monterey,Mexico. They are a major steel conglo<strong>me</strong>rate involved in all aspectsof the manufacturing, marketing and delivery of quality certifiedsteel products worldwide. They are the leading steel distributor andservice center operator in Mexico, with global operations involvingmore than 5.5 million tons of steel.SDB Trade International, LP RanksNo. 573 on the 2007 Inc.SDB Trade International, LP Ranks No. 573 on the 2007 Inc.5,000 With Three-Year Sales Growth of 551.9%InAugust, Inc. today ranked SDB Trade International, LP No. 573 onits Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in thecountry http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2007/companyprofile.html?id=200705730.The Inc. 5,000, an extension of Inc.magazine’s annual Inc. 500 list, catches many businesses that are toobig to grow at the pace required to make the Inc. 500, as well as a hostof smaller firms. For the regional area, SDB Trade is ranked as the 8thfastest growing company.“The Inc. 5,000 provides the most comprehensive look ever at themost important part of the economy – the entrepreneurial part,” saidInc. 5,000 Project Manager Jim Melloan. “The expansion of the listhas allowed us to tell the stories of larger companies, oldercompanies, and a wealth of companies in industries likeManufacturing and Construction that are underreported in thebusiness <strong>me</strong>dia.SDB Trade International, LP is an international <strong>me</strong>tals tradingcompany specializing in pipe for Oil and Gas delivery andtransmission. In addition to steel pipes, SDB Trade also trade inferrous and non ferrous scrap, HRC, CRC, SS coils, GalvanizedCoils, Beams, etc. SDB personnel have vast knowledge of <strong>me</strong>tals,<strong>me</strong>tal product and respective manufacturing process. SDB’scusto<strong>me</strong>rs and vendors are located in all continents of the world.The 2007 Inc. 5,000, as revealed online at www.inc.com, reported<strong>me</strong>dian revenue of $9.4 million and <strong>me</strong>dian three-year growth of 140(continued on pg. 14 - DISPATCHES)Thankyou2007 Sum<strong>me</strong>r ConferenceWashington, D.C. - June 21-23, 2007PlatinumNorth A<strong>me</strong>rican INTERPIPE, Inc.Tenaris Global ServicesGoldArkley UK Ltd, A ChTPZ Group Co.**LaBarge Pipe & Steel CompanyLally Pipe & TubeMandal Pipe CompanyTrident Steel CorporationSilverLincoln ManufacturingMarmon/Keystone Corp.ShawCor Pipe Protection LLCThank youSponsorsBronzeAmbassador Pipe & Supply, Inc.Ball WinchBaltimore Pipe, Inc.CPW A<strong>me</strong>rica Co.EXLTUBEFortenberry Pipe & Supply Co.Hamilton Metals, Inc.International Pipe & Supply, LLCInterpipe, Inc.Kahn Steel Co., Inc.Kayem Pipe & Steel, Inc.Kurt Orban Partners LLC**Maurice Pincoffs Company, Inc.O<strong>me</strong>ga Steel Co.Pipe & Tube Supplies, Inc.Tex-Tube CompanyTMK North A<strong>me</strong>rica, Inc.***Valiant Steel & Equip<strong>me</strong>nt, Inc.** Indicates two sponsorships on this sa<strong>me</strong> level*** Indicates three sponsorships on this sa<strong>me</strong> level

12 PipelineGuest Articleby Frank C. BucaroImagine the shock when a new manager in aFortune 500 company, interrupted themonthly <strong>me</strong>eting to lambaste the sales forcefor not reaching their goals. She slam<strong>me</strong>ddoors, cussed at them, threw stacks of files onthe table, bla<strong>me</strong>d them for company layoffs,and reminded them that no one's job wasguaranteed.Do you think the sales people walked out ofthat <strong>me</strong>eting, raring to go? Were they ready to'sell' their company? Did they feel good abouttheir manage<strong>me</strong>nt? Were they motivated to bethe best they can be? Of course not! Theywalked out of there, thinking they should lookfor a new job. They were appalled; feltdisrespected and lost respect for theirmanage<strong>me</strong>nt.Who wins here? No one. Not only didemployee satisfaction take a hit that week, butso did productivity, when all anyone could do,was debrief about that hideous <strong>me</strong>eting allweek, instead of being focused on their salesMorale Filters Down,Not Upobjectives. The wind was knocked out of theseemployees' sails.This manager set the tone for the company.The tone, in this case, was disrespect,disappoint<strong>me</strong>nt, emotional Stu & distress, Vicki Hindman andinstability. Wow...sounds like a1973companypeople would be eager to work for, eh?There is no excuse for this manager's behavior.If the employees continue to be addressed inthis manner, two things will happen.1. Employees will leave the company.2. Those who remain, will begin to accept thattype of behavior and possibly mimic it,themselves.Either case, you now have an entireorganization with a miserable environ<strong>me</strong>nt,which won't last long. It never does. It might beokay in the short term. Leadership by fearoften is tolerated for a specific period of ti<strong>me</strong>,before the floor collapses.In contrast, imagine a manager, whoempowers and engages her employees inopen conversation on a regular basis.Sincerely, she asks, "How are we doing?What can I do to help you achieve your goals?How can we make things better? What doyou need from us? Why isn't this working?What would you suggest?”The employees now feel that they have a say,that their manage<strong>me</strong>nt believes their opinionis important and that they are respected. Theyin turn, respect their managers for looking forsolutions. It is a great work environ<strong>me</strong>nt.Even when ti<strong>me</strong>s are tough, employees feeltheir manage<strong>me</strong>nt supports them.Which company would you like to work for?Re<strong>me</strong>mber, it starts with key leaders! Moralefilters down not up! One <strong>me</strong>eting, one speech,one com<strong>me</strong>nt, is all it takes to begin the spiral.Frank C. Bucaro is an ethics expert withFrank C. Bucaro &Associates, Inc.PO Box 8436, Bartlett, IL 60103Phone: 800-784-4476www.frankbucaro.comPHONE: 985/892-2461FAX: 985/892-2618P & W INDUSTRIES, L.L.C.68668 Hwy. 59P.O. Box 1550Mandeville, Louisiana 70470Website: www.pandwindustries.comCONTACT: DAVIS GARDNER, WILDA SHARP,HERMAN FARRINGTON, TRAVIS HOLSTONQTY OD WALL DESCRIPTION AVG LNGTH734'120'2,157'3,8932,796561'1,200'640'500'2,000'1,600'2,6541,100'1,250'3,800'2,6921,400'1,700'5,0003,6376,000'12,430'6,800’30”22”22”20”18”16”16”13 3/8"10 3/4”10 3/4”10 3/4”10 3/4”10 3/4”9 5/8”9 5/8”8 5/8”8 5/8”7”6 5/8”6 5/8”5 9/16”4½”3”1.0001.000.750.375.500.625.562.480.594.562.500.500.450.545.395.500.438.362.432.280.258.337.300Used, Bare, PaintedSurplus, Bare, MTR'sSurplus, Bare, MTR'sUsed, Tar coatedSurplus Bare CasingSurplus BareUsed Bare CasingUsed Bare CasingUsed Painted M/W SurplusSurplus, Fusion BondSurplus, Tar CoatedSurplus, Fusion BondSurplus Fusion BondUsed Bare CasingUsed Bare CasingSurplus, Fusion BondSurplus, Fusion BondUsed Bare CasingSurplus, Fusion BondSurplus, Bare, SeamlessSurplus, Bare, SeamlessSurplus Fusion BondSurplus Fusion Bond21-40'DRLDRLDRLDRL34-42'30-47'25-35'27-35'DRLDRLDRL30-40'DRLDRLDRLDRLDRLDRL18-21'18-23'DRLDRLALSO AVAILABLE:BEVELLING, CUTTING & DOUBLE JOINTING.SURPLUS AND USED STEEL BEAMS 6" TROUGH 36".SURPLUS AND USED STEEL PLATE 3/16”-1”.CALL FOR PRICING AND OTHER SIZES.One Stop OnlyPump UnitSteel & Concrete PilesSeamless, ERW, LSAW, SSAWCarbon Steel & Stainless Steel PipeOCTG, Drilling Pipe, Line Pipe,Structural Pipe, Standard Pipe, Boiler TubeContact US:Phone: 909-627-8258sales@min<strong>me</strong>talsla.comAddress: 1037 Walnut Avenue, Pomona, CA 91766, USA

Pipeline 13Photos FromConference Confernece inWashington D.C.June 21 - 23, 2007Ted Kahn, Kara Kahn & Fred KahnSue Courts, Mary Bunning and KeithCourtsStu & Vicki Hindman -Best Patriotic DressedGreg Sem<strong>me</strong>l, Michele, Vince and Blair Bianco,and Sam Sem<strong>me</strong>lAlexey Vladimirov and KevinBeckmann - NASPD networkingGuest Speaker Elaine L.Chao, US Sec. of LaborSusannah Porr, Al Karch<strong>me</strong>r, Sam Karch<strong>me</strong>r, MarshaKarch<strong>me</strong>r and Don Karch<strong>me</strong>r.Narayan, Dilip and Shalini BhargavaTuula Doull, Dave Carnahan, John Mocker & RonGriffith leading the way to the White House briefingDolty & Cici CheramieThat’s my photo,Rich NorthfieldBill Buckland, Greg Sem<strong>me</strong>l, and DaveCarnahan. Yes, those are her feet!Jim Rollandi, Joe Bergfeld, and Chris & Dee RaganGreat tie! Don BohachAndy Pearl and Nadra MaakarounJim Mocker, where are you going?Participating in a Round Table discussionGail Belcik, John Mocker andSusannah PorrDianne Burger, Dianne’s daughter LeeAnnand Betsy BucklandJane Haupt, Robert Griggs, Bruce Haupt & ShellyGriggsA<strong>me</strong>lia Bocanegra, Ann Evans and John GriffinBette Coibion, Wayne & Julie Pickle, and Jerry Coibion

14 Pipeline(continued from pg. 10 - DISPATCHES)percent. Complete information on thisyear’s Inc. 5,000 can be found atwww.inc.com/inc5000. The list features aprofile for each company, almost all of themwritten as a result of Inc.Kelly Pipe has grown intoa Master selling to otherdistributorsNote: This was taken from a feature articlein Supply House Ti<strong>me</strong>s written by JimOlsztynski.Kelly Pipe is a leading supplier of youguessed it steel pipe. Kelly employs anaccomplished team of executives led byCEO Earle Cohen. A veteran of the steelbusiness since 1954, Cohen was hired to runKelly Pipe and served as the first chairmanof the National Association of Steel PipeDistributors in 1975. Cohen, with more than40 years of experience, is assisted byseveral key executives: Len Gross, COO, a30-year industry veteran and John Wolfson,a 27-year veteran with Kelly Pipe, who isNASPDMemberCorporateHeadquartersHarrow, Ontario,CanadaPRODUCTSHSSHSLAMechanical TubingRoundsPipe SizesPilingWeathering SteelsFiber Optic PipeWater Well CasingSize RangeHSS Tubular Products1” - 16” Square11/2x1-20”x12”RectangleWall Thickness Range.065 - .625SpecificationsA 500 Gr B and CA 513HSLAA 847Rolling cycles on selectsizes every2–4weeksCapabilities50-70,000 min yieldUT TestingCopper bearing gradesWeathering steelsVP and general manager in charge of Western branches. These gentle<strong>me</strong>n and the rest ofKelly's managers work closely as a skilled team, leading Kelly Pipe through the headiest daysof sales growth and geographic expansion in the company's long history. Kelly's sales volu<strong>me</strong>has tripled in the last five years to $300+ million. Most astonishingly, it is generated by a workforce numbering fewer than 200 employees. That sales-per-employee ratio illustrates thebenefit of intelligent authority delegation. Cohen expects Kelly to double its sales volu<strong>me</strong> inthe next five years.The Kelly Pipe company headquarters and 22.5 acre stocking yard are located in Santa FeSprings, CA. Kelly also utilizes company distribution network of stocking locations inNorthern California; Riverside and Bakersfield (CA); Phoenix; Salt Lake City; Casper, WY;Denver; Houston; Chicago and Sharon, PA. Kelly Pipe is renowned for its extensive,diversified pipe inventory. The bulk of it is carbon steel, although Kelly also sells a fairamount of stainless, special alloys and high-density polyethylene pipe. The company alsomaintains an inventory of valves and fittings as a service to its pipe custo<strong>me</strong>rs. Kelly's clientlist has grown to more than 4,000 active custo<strong>me</strong>rs, representing an array end users:<strong>me</strong>chanical contractors, refineries, manufacturers and fabricators, drillers, fire protection,mining, municipalities, utilities, govern<strong>me</strong>nt and other distributors. With the recent openingof its London office, known as Kelly Pipe International, they can now sell to and serviceworldwide users. Historically, Kelly sold almost nothing except do<strong>me</strong>stic product, and itstayed do<strong>me</strong>stic oriented longer than most distributors. Now about 40% of its inventory isimported, so testing and certification take on more importance than ever before. It's soberingfor everyone in the PVF business to contemplate that a simple piece of pipe selling for littlemore than a US dollar a foot could potentially cost millions in liability expense. Kelly strivesto align itself with distributor custo<strong>me</strong>rs who realize this and operate accordingly. Kelly'scurrent IT Network handles inventorymanage<strong>me</strong>nt, marketing packages, and willcontinue to enable users throughout theKelly empire to access inventoryinformation at any of its branches and maketi<strong>me</strong>ly decisions inthis fast pacedmarketplace. It is theattention to safety,intelligent inventorySize RangePipe Size Tubing1 1/2’’ - 20’’ NPSWall Thickness Range.125 - .625SpecificationsCSA G 40.21A252Gr2&3A 252 Gr 3 -with 50,000 min yieldLarge dia<strong>me</strong>ter rollingsavailable in Harrow & ChicagoCapabilitiesMelted & Manufactured USA50 - 70,000 min yieldMicro Pile gradesPiling lengths up to 100manage<strong>me</strong>nt andcusto<strong>me</strong>r needs thathas kept Kelly Pipe aforerunner in thisindustry and thebenefit of its strongleadership forecastsa bright future.Above: Kelly Pipe’s manage<strong>me</strong>nt team is headed by (from left): ChiefOperating Officer Len Gross; President and CEO Earle Cohen;VicePresident and General Manager of Branches John Wolfson .Below: Pipe handling is an inherently dangerous job, which is whyKelly Pipe places a high priority on safety training.ProductionFacilities andSales OfficesHarrow, Ontario, CanadaPhone: 800.265.6912Fax: 519.738.3537Sourcing For Tubing, Pipe, Piling and CasingWinnipeg, Manitoba CanadaPhone: 204.953.3100Fax: 204.953.3107www.atlastube.comChicago, Illinois USAPhone: 800. 733.5683Fax: 773.646.6128Blytheville, AR USAPlymouth, Michigan USAPhone: 888.785.8823Fax: 313.738.5604St. Louis, MO Sales OfficePhone: 636.519.5214Fax: 636.519.5218

Pipeline 17Conference InformationRegister online at www.naspd.com. or faxregistration form to: (361) 574-9347. For moreinformation or questions please call theNASPD office (361) 574-7878. The deadlinefor regular registration was Sept. 7, 2007. Youmay still register, but late registration fees willapply. Non-<strong>me</strong>mbers can attend one <strong>me</strong>etingbefore joining. Late registration fee is $50 andmust be included for each registration receivedat the NASPD office after Sept. 7. Lateregistration fee for single event registration is$25. Pay<strong>me</strong>nt for late registration will only beaccepted by credit card. Pay<strong>me</strong>nt must be paidin U.S. currency.SpeakersAlejandro Dieck, PhD, For<strong>me</strong>r Chief ofStaff for the Govern<strong>me</strong>nt of Mexico,Ministry of Economy Secretary. He iscurrently the Chief Operating Officer forPromotora Ambiental, SAV de C.V., Incharge of the nationwide operatingactivities of this leading, environ<strong>me</strong>ntalservices company. Prior to his position withPromotora Ambiental he served thegovern<strong>me</strong>nt of Mexico as the UnderSecretary of Planning and TechnologicalDevelop<strong>me</strong>nt for the Ministry of Energy. Inthis position Dieck was at the forefront ofpublic policy associated with renewableenergy sources, designing energy sectorprocess for the whole of Mexico.Dieck's professional career began in 1978at VALORES INDUSTRIALES S.A.(GRUPO VISA), the second largestbrewery company in Mexico as theEconomic, Marketing and FinancialManager. He received a PhD in EconomicStudies with a specialization in corporatefinance, monetary policy and industrialorganization from the University of Texasin 1987.Dieck has served on the faculty of severaluniversities and currently maintainsprofessorships with the INSTITUTOTECHNOLOGICO Y DE ESTUDIOS,Graduate School of Public Policy andUNIVERSISDAD AUTONOMA DENUEVO LEON, Graduate School ofEconomics. He is also an active participanton nu<strong>me</strong>rous banking, technology andenergy policy boards.Rafael Rubio, Director of InstitutionalRelations of Ternium Hylsa. Rubioreceived a B.S. in Economics in 1972 fromthe Monterrey Institute of Technology inMonterrey (ITESM), México. He laterreceived both a Masters Degree and Ph.D.in Economics from Cornell University. Hisspecialization is in the arena of industrialorganization and economic develop<strong>me</strong>nt.NASPD 2007 Fall ConferenceThe Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Mexico • October 11-13, 2007For additional information visit www.naspd.comProgramThursday, October 11, 20071:00 – 5:30 p.m. Registration2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Education Committee <strong>Meet</strong>ing3:00 – 3:45 p.m. Program Committee <strong>Meet</strong>ing3:45 – 4:30 p.m. Membership Committee <strong>Meet</strong>ing4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Finance Committee <strong>Meet</strong>ing5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Board of Directors <strong>Meet</strong>ing7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Welcoming Reception at the South PoolFriday, October 12, 20078:30 – 10:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast8:45 a.m. – Noon General Session8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Opening Remarks9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Alejandro Dieck, PhD, For<strong>me</strong>r Sub-Secretary of Economy for Mexico“Oil & Gas Outlook and Should We Revisit DOHA/GATT Negotiations”9:45 – 10:00 a.m. Break10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Rafael Rubio, PhD, HYLSA,“ A Pipe Forecast for NAFTA Countries”11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Regulo Salinas, President of CANACERO“The Mexican Steel Industry Outlook”Noon – 1:30 p.m. Networking Luncheon7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Sea Serenity Dinner – Enjoy dinner on the beach.Dress attire will be resort casual (consider wind and sand when dressing).10:00 p.m. – Midnight Hospitality SuiteSaturday, October 13, 20078:30 – 10:30 a.m. Networking Hot Breakfast9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Used Roundtable DiscussionFacilitator: Chuck Betzler, Pipe & Tube Supplies, Inc.10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Pri<strong>me</strong> Roundtable DiscussionFacilitator: Art Shelton, Texas Pipe & Supply Co., Inc.11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Optional Event - Ritz Carlton Cooking Class - Grilling with Mexican Flair1:30 – 7:30 p.m. Optional Event - Isla Mujeres – Snorkeling, Biking, Zip Line, or Relax andMore at Garrafon Park1:30 – 7:30 p.m. Optional Event - Isla Mujeres – Swim with the Dolphins6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Hospitality Suite - <strong>Meet</strong> up with friends and make dinner arrange<strong>me</strong>ntsAll attendees are encouraged to participate in all committee <strong>me</strong>etings.Rubio is the Director of InstitutionalRelations at Ternium Hylsa (for<strong>me</strong>rlyHylsa<strong>me</strong>x). Ternium is a publicly tradedmultinational steel company with operationsinArgentina, Venezuela and Mexico.His main responsibilities are related to theperformance of the steel industry (economicand financial issues), trade negotiations(com<strong>me</strong>rcial and legal issues in Mexico andon an international level), and govern<strong>me</strong>ntrelations (at federal, state and local levels).Rubio has participated extensively ininternational trade and steel negotiation inhis capacity as Chairman of the Trade PolicyCommittee of the Mexican Steel Producers'Association, Latin A<strong>me</strong>rican Steel IndustryAssociation, North A<strong>me</strong>rican Steel CouncilStaff Group of the A<strong>me</strong>rican Iron and SteelInstitute and is additionally a <strong>me</strong>mber of theEconomic Research Committee of theInternational Iron and Steel Institute. Hehas had several articles published on theMexican steel industry and currentlylectures a course on the Global PoliticalEconomy at the ITESM campus.Regulo Salinas currently serves asPresident of Canacero (Camara Nacional dela Industria del Hierro y el Acero) inMexico.He began his career in 1978 as “budget andcost analyst” of the for<strong>me</strong>r Hylsa. He hasheld several executive positions such asmanaging director of the Flat ProductsDivision, and the Bar and Rod Division ofthe for<strong>me</strong>r Hylsa. He has also been Vice-(continued on pg. 18 - SPEAKERS)

18 Pipeline(continued from pg. 17 - SPEAKERS)president of Sales and Marketing, Vicepresidentof Administration and Vicepresidentof Planning.Mr. Salinas holds a Bachelor of Science inChemical Engineering from the MonterreyTech, in Mexico, and a Master in BusinessAdministration from The University ofChicago, in the US.He is currently President of Canacero(Camara Nacional de la Industria del Hierroy el Acero) in Mexico, <strong>me</strong>mber of the boardof directors of Ilafa, <strong>me</strong>mber of the board ofdirectors of the A<strong>me</strong>rican Iron and SteelInstitute and of the Steel ManufacturersOrganization, both in the US, and presidentof the North A<strong>me</strong>rican Steel Council, thatgroups the steel producers of the Naftaregion.NASPD(continued from pg. 6 - IMPROVEMENT)2. Ideally, what should the internal process forthis output look like when it is flow-chartedto ensure that this output consistently <strong>me</strong>etsits standards?3. When the currently existing internalprocess for this output is flow-charted, doesit look like the ideal flow chart created inanswer to Question 2?4. Does the currently existing internal processresult in this output consistently <strong>me</strong>eting itsstandards?5. If the answer to Question 3 and/or 4 is ‘No’,what changes must be made to the currentlyexisting process so it looks and functionslike the process that was flow-charted inanswer to Question 2?There are several significant advantages ofusing a systems approach to guide processimprove<strong>me</strong>nt efforts.By identifying inputs required for a companyto succeed and the standards these inputs must<strong>me</strong>et, the systems vantage point helps acompany's manage<strong>me</strong>nt team to develop andmaintain internal processes that ensure therequired inputs are consistently available inappropriate quantity and quality when they areneeded at a cost acceptable to the company.Because the systems approach identifies theoutputs the business environ<strong>me</strong>nt receivesfrom a company and the standards theseoutputs must <strong>me</strong>et, the systems vantage pointhelps a company’s manage<strong>me</strong>nt team todevelop and maintain internal processes thatensure the outputs the business environ<strong>me</strong>ntreceives from their company are consistentlyproduced in appropriate quantity and qualitywhen they are needed at a cost acceptable tothe market.The systems vantage point offers a way ofensuring that a company’s internal processesconsistently result in the availability of thoseinputs that are critical to the company’scontinued growth and competitive successwhile also consistently producing outco<strong>me</strong>sthat are valued by custo<strong>me</strong>rs and prospects.About the authors: Bob Cicerone is Directorof Custo<strong>me</strong>r Loyalty Services of ETC Institute inOlathe, KS. The firm's market research servicesprovide information that helps organizations tomake better decisions. Bob can be reached at913-829-1215 or ( rcicerone@etcinstitute.com) .Richard Sassaman is an IndependentPerformance Improve<strong>me</strong>nt Consultant. Hehelps client organizations improve the<strong>me</strong>asured performance of individuals thoughthe systematic application of HumanPerformance Technology. He can be reached at( Richard.Sassaman@Juno.com) or 610-767-8107. John Swinney uses processes such as theone described in this article to help clientbusinesses improve results for individuals, workprocesses, and organizations. He may bereached at jmswinney1@machlink.com.

Pipeline 19NASPD MembersOut & AboutSubmitted by NASPD <strong>me</strong>mbersAbove: Cathy Williams with daughterKimberly and new grandchild. Many ofyou <strong>me</strong>t Kimberly when she accompaniedCathy to the 2006 Fall Conference in NewYork. Cathy works with Hamilton Metals,Inc. Her son-in-law, Jeff Johnson, isemployed with Pipe Exchange, Ltd.Doug Fortenberry writes: “During theNASPD Sum<strong>me</strong>r Conference inWashington D.C. Monica and I were inBangkok, Thailand and Tokyo, Japan. Wetraveled to Bangkok to welco<strong>me</strong> our new 8pound 4 ounce, twenty one inch long“Grandson” in to the world. He was bornon June 15 at Bumrungrad Hospital inBangkok, Thailand.Above find our pictureof Master Samuel Wade Garrett II.” Dougis the owner of Fortenberry Pipe & Supply,Co. in Mabank, Texas.(continued from pg. 8 - NEW MEMBERS)Louisiana Transportation,Inc.Louisiana Transportation, Inc. is a newprofessional affiliate <strong>me</strong>mber. LTI operates afleet of 600 trucks engaged in providingtransportation and logistics services toexploration companies, oilfield servicecompanies and pipe manufacturing anddistribution companies.Ralph Castille is the NASPD contact.Louisiana Transportation, Inc.7800 East LittleYork, Suite BHouston, TX 77016(p) 713-431-0953(f) 713-431-0997Steel TradersSteel Traders, a new associate <strong>me</strong>mber,carries reject pipe-secondary product gradesin sizes ranging from 4" thru 24" reject piperoll and welded up to 150" OD.John Pidgeon is the NASPD contact.Steel Traders200 South Rogers St., Suite 300Waxahachie, TX 75165(p) 800-633-6662(f) 972-937-2312

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