MSCI Bestows Annual Congressional Leadership Awards

Rolling Meadows, IL – In February, the Metal Service Center Institute (MSCI) presented Congressional Leadership Awards to Rep. John Barrow (D) of Georgia's 12th congressional district and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) of Washington's 5th congressional district.

Rep. John Barrow, (D -Georgia)

Barrow, who received his award during a ceremony at Chatham Steel in Savannah, GA, was cited for his commitment to jobs in his district, along with his willingness to cooperate with members of other parties. McMorris was recognized for her advocacy of tax and regulatory reform, fiscal restraint and her views on energy policy. Her award was presented at a ceremony held at Haskins Steel in Spokane, WA. The awards were presented in both cases by Jonathan Kalkwarf, MSCI's Vice President of Government Affairs.

“Rep. Barrow has been a strong advocate for an `all-of-the-above energy policy’,” notes MSCI President and CEO Bob Weidner. “He has argued for approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline, which would create more than 42,000 jobs during its construction and help ensure a stable, affordable fuel supply to our members. He has voted in the House for important checks on Environmental Protection Agency rulemaking. Rep. Barrow broke with his party on some key issues – in a city marked by partisan rancor these steps were courageous, and MSCI’s members salute and thank Rep. Barrow for taking them.”

When presenting the award, Kalkwarf added, “The metals service industry sustains more than 1,500 jobs in the 12th district and contributes nearly $662 million to the local economy. It provides about $117 million in wages to families here. But the industry wouldn’t be able to do this without lawmakers like Rep. Barrow who work tirelessly to create the right environment for growth and expansion.”

“I’m honored to receive MSCI’s 2014 Congressional Leadership Award,” said Congressman Barrow. “The metals service industry is an important part of our economy that brings thousands of good-paying jobs to folks in Georgia. I am proud to stand with MSCI and will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help ensure that companies, like Chatham Steel, have the ability to grow and succeed.”

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, (R - Washington)

Of the representative from Washington, Weidner said, “Rep. McMorris Rodgers has been a strong advocate for tax and regulatory reform, an ‘all-of-the-above energy policy,’ and fiscal restraint. She has also acknowledged that the Affordable Care Act places significant burdens on America’s employers and employees. Rep. McMorris Rodgers routinely votes to ease these burdens and MSCI’s members salute and thank her for taking these courageous stances.”

Added Kalkwarf, “The metals service industry sustains more than 310 jobs in the 5th district and contributes nearly $86 million to the local economy. It provides about $25.2 million in wages to families here. But the industry wouldn’t be able to do this without lawmakers like Rep. McMorris Rodgers who work tirelessly to create the right environment for growth and expansion.”

“I’m inspired by MSCI’s dedication to relieving hardworking Americans of tiresome federal roadblocks," McMorris Rodgers said while accepting the award. Here in Spokane, I continue to hear stories from families who want Washington D.C. out of the way – so we can create more local job opportunities, lower health care costs, and help employees take home more of their paychecks. Whether it is fighting for comprehensive tax reform that lowers rates and complexity for businesses, providing additional checks on EPA efforts, or opening more foreign markets to U.S. goods, MSCI is a strong advocate for companies like Haskins Steel and their employees. It’s an honor to receive this award and I look forward to working more with Bob and Jon and MSCI’s members to ensure we are providing a stable working environment for America’s businesses.”

The Metals Service Center Institute established its Congressional Leadership Award in 2005 to recognize elected representatives who demonstrate a commitment to the health and well-being of its members – the industrial metals supply chain – and its members’ manufacturing customers.

About MSCI

Founded in 1909, MSCI has over 400 members operating from more than 1,500 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and throughout the world. A recent study shows the American metals industry accounts for nearly 2.5 million jobs and the economic contribution of the industry is more than $552 billion, or more than 3.5% of the nation’s gross domestic product. To learn more, visit www.msci.org.