Power Balance
The Chinese economy is devouring the world—commodities as well as finished goods. But when the dragon is full, what becomes of global markets? And what if this dragon is, in fact, insatiable? by Helen Gallagher and Ken Mark

When Everything Comes Together
Three experts discuss the classic consolidation cycle and why some deals work and some don't.

Capture Capital
The best opportunity in decades for metals companies to raise capital begs the question: We can attract new investors and capital, but what do we do with them? by Arthur Goldgaber

Steely Resolve
Women, almost unnoticed and in surprising numbers, have filled important leadership roles in the metals industry. by Meghan Haynes

Still Tough as Steel
To call 80-year-old David Roderick a legend in the steel industry only begins to capture the extent of his stature in the business. Starting as a cost analyst in 1953 at a railroad U.S. Steel then owned in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Roderick rose to CEO of the steel behemoth by 1975. He went on to serve as chairman from 1979 to 1989 as U.S. Steel transformed into USX. by John Frank

Advocacy

A New Policy for China
The National Association of Manufacturers' 2005 China Trade Agenda is a balanced approach to trade that combines the opening of new markets and tougher enforcement of trade agreements and U.S. trade laws. by Lauren P. Strandquist

Research

Competing on Compensation
Metals service centers balance base pay, health care benefits and nonfinancial compensation to attract and retain a motivated workforce. by Ross Foti

Guest Column

If You Don't Speak Up, You Don't Exist
As the president of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, Dirk Van Dongen is the legislative middleman for America's middlemen and has been cutting deals, forming alliances with key lobbying groups and exerting influence in Congressional hallways for the past two decades. As a leader in the Republican party, he has prodded administration after administration to secure legislation in favor of business owners while mobilizing the business community behind the Bush candidacy. by Dirk Van Dongen, president of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors

Product Spotlight

Rack Systems
Metals service centers use racking systems to store and organize inventory, essentially making material handling more manageable. To help readers find the most appropriate system for their operations, Forward presents a sampling of racking systems.