SMU is honored to help the flat-rolled steel community connect with our unique, collaborative network of industry experts.
Forge new connections and drive your business forward.
SMU launched its “SMU Community Chat” webinar series in April 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak. The idea: To bring in experts to discuss subjects of importance to the steel community we serve. These webinars are typically hosted every other Wednesday at 11 am Eastern Time.
We allot 45 minutes so you can tune in, learn something, and still stay on top of your day-to-day responsibilities. It’s also a good way for you and your employees to remain connected to the rest of the industry.
The webinars are free of charge and hosted on Zoom. We provide the subject matter a week or two prior to the meeting. This allows you time to prepare questions for the live Q&A portion of the webinar.
Please send your suggestions for content and speakers to info@steelmarketupdate.com.
March 19, 2025
11 am ET
Alan Price
Trade Attorney
Wiley
March 26, 2025
11 am ET
Brent Wilson
CEO
Bilstein Cold Rolled Steel
April 9, 2025
11 am ET
Michael Garcia
CEO
Algoma Steel
The Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI) Pittsburgh Chapter joined featured speakers Gabriella Vagnini and Greg Wittbecker on SMU’s recent Community Chat webinar. It’s been an eventful (and chaotic) start to the year for steel and aluminum as industry tries to navigate the new Trump administration. What we talked about We discussed what […]
Josh Spoores, head of steel analysis – Americas at CRU, was the featured speaker on SMU’s recent Community Chat webinar. What we talked about We talked about how trade protections – whether that’s Section 232, blanket tariffs, or the coated AD/CVD trade case – might impact prices. We also discussed how new capacity might impact […]
Alan Kestenbaum, founder of Bedrock Industries and the former CEO of Stelco, was the featured speaker on SMU’s recent Community Chat webinar. We looked at Stelco’s recent sale to Cleveland-Cliffs and what made the low-cost, integrated Canadian steelmaker such an attractive asset. We also caught up with Alan about what he’s been up to since […]
Philip K. Bell, president of the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) was the featured speaker on SMU’s recent Community Chat webinar. We talked about what to expect from the incoming Trump administration, the changing trade and tariff landscape, and what it all means for the domestic steel industry. Why should you listen? Because SMA is one […]
Taylor St. Germain, economist for ITR economist was the featured speaker on SMU’s recent Community Chat webinar. What we talked about We discussed the outlook for both the overall economy and also for manufacturing in 2025-26. In addition, we talked about how Trump administration policies when it comes to tariffs and immigration might impact the […]
Timna Tanners, managing director of equity research for Wolfe Research was the featured speaker on SMU’s recent Community Chat webinar. Timna – who has coined Sheet Storm, Scrap Squeeze, and Galv Galore – is one of the most popular guests on our Community Chats. Her insights and forecasts are always thought-provoking. What we talked about […]
Lewis Leibowitz, veteran trade attorney and SMU columnist was the featured speaker on SMU’s recent Community Chat webinar. Leibowitz always brings interesting ideas to the table – whether you agree with them or not. He represents steel consumers and often provides a counterpoint to domestic steel producers’ perspectives. We’ll discuss points of agreement too. Like […]
Zekelman Industries Executive Chairman and CEO Barry Zekelman was the featured speaker on SMU’s recent Community Chat webinar. Zekelman is known for his straight talk. And his company is one of the largest steel buyers in North America. So he’s got a better eye than most on steel market developments. We discussed everything from end-use […]
Flack Global Metals (FGM) Founder and CEO Jeremy Flack was the featured speaker on SMU’s recent Community Chat webinar. For many in the market, FGM is synonymous with steel futures. But the company has also further expanded its presence in the physical market with the 2023 acquisition of metal wall and roofing company, Fabral, and a […]
