Association of Steel Distributors names James Barnett as ASD President

The Association of Steel Distributors (ASD)  announced that James Barnett, a 40-year industry veteran and president of Grand Steel Products, Inc. in Wixom, MI, has taken the helm of the association as its 2010 president. Barnett will provide strategic direction for the organization and is committed to taking on the ASD leadership role. Barnett has been an active member of ASD since 1995 and a member of the ASD Board of Directors since 2000. Members of ASD, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1943 that provides the steel distribution industry a forum for ideas exchange and market information,  include service centers, distributors, steel mills, transportation companies and service related companies who are all viable partners to the steel distribution marketplace.

"I am honored to be president of an organization I have great respect for, and look forward to taking ASD into its 67th year of serving the steel distribution community," said Barnett. "I am committed to filling the shoes of our past presidents and I know we have a bright future."

"Jim is a very dedicated and passionate industry professional," said Ron Pietrzak, ASD executive director. "With his leadership and vision, our association will grow substantially."

Barnett replaces 2008-2009 president Tom Smith of B & D Steel, located in Holland, Pennsylvania, who will now assume the role of immediate past president.  Other members of the ASD Executive Committee include executive vice president Robert Pelles, president of Premium Metals, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio; treasurer Lisa Goldenberg, chief operating officer of Delaware Steel Company of Pennsylvania, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania; eastern region vice president Ron Chase, of Action Steel, Edison New Jersey; and central region vice president Brian Robbins, CEO of Midwest Materials of Perry, Ohio.

In addition, ASD is pleased to announce that Andy Gross of Alliance Steel, LLC located in Bedford Park, Illinois, will also join the ASD Board of Directors.

The next ASD regional meeting is scheduled for May 6 at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.