The Foundation 's mission is to ensure the iron and steel industry of tomorrow will have a sufficient number of qualified professionals. Each addresses different aspects of the mission, from attraction to retention. The Society's mission, by comparison, is to be the premier professional and technical society serving its members and advancing knowledge exchange in the global iron and steel industry. Yet the two missions are complementary and interdependent. We really can't have one without the other.
Technology is a centerpiece of our industry.
The steel industry's hiring reductions in the 1980s were also felt. Look around your company and you will see a generation gap between the ages of 35 and 50. Coupled with an expected flood of near-future retirements, the industry faces severe human resource shortages in the next decade. Some of you may have noticed a new voice at extension 635 at the ISS Foundation . Janna Johnston joined the ISS on July 5th as Foundation Program Coordinator.