MISSION

The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) is an international association dedicated to helping manufacturers, engineers, architects, and others to discover why aluminum extrusion is the preferred material process for better products. Since 1950, AEC's has served its industry well by implementing its mission:

• Provide opportunities to network with peers and suppliers, address common internal and external issues, share data, train, and sponsor research.
• Work together to enable members to function more efficiently, cost-effectively, and knowledgeably.
• Enhance the growth of the aluminum extrusion industry by promoting the advantages of the processes and product applications.

FUNCTION

AEC is committed to helping its members overcome the challenges that arise in a competitive manufacturing environment by offering products programs, and support services as follows:

• Educates designers and manufacturers on the advantages and applications of aluminum extrusions.
• Publishes a directory of member companies that is used as a buyer's resource.
• Informs members about emerging technologies and industry trends via its numerous publications and training seminars and conferences.
• Collects, analyzes, and disseminates production and management statistical information to help benchmark operations.
• Works with government and regulatory bodies on matters pertinent to the industry, and reports back to its members on a regular basis.
• Offers technical and managerial publications to keep the aluminum extruder knowledgeable of the latest issues of importance.
• Provides numerous networking opportunities for members to exchange, discuss, and problem-solve their common challenges.
• Advocates North American aluminum extrusion industry interests.
• Listens to members' concerns and allows for member input through various committees

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND ADVOCACY PROGRAMS

With an eye on the future, AEC represents the interests of its members to regulatory, code, and standard-setting bodies. When appropriate, AEC performs as an advocate on behalf of its members and may form task forces to address relevant concerns.

One such example is the Keep Aluminum Windows (KAW) campaign, whose mission is simple-to keep aluminum windows as a viable and preferred component within the residential and commercial construction markets. As a battle whose front is continuously challenged, a lot of time, money, and energy continues to pour into this aggressive advocacy program fueled with proactive initiatives and constant vigilance.

AEC also has memberships and maintains active involvement with industry-critical organizations that ultimately give members a voice and keeps AEC apprised of a multitude of issues, including:

• American National Standards (ANSI)
• ASTM International
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)

The Council also closely monitors the activities and participates in public forums of such agencies as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Energy (DOE).

AEC LEADERSHIP
The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) elects their Board of Directors and Officers during the Board of Directors meeting that is held in conjunction with the AEC Annual Meeting.

Board of Directors

Chairman Tom Schabel Alexandria Extrusion Company	Vice-Chairman Duncan Crowdis William L. Bonnell Co., Inc.
Immediate Past-Chairman Craig Werner Werner Extrusions Sollutions LLC	President Rand A. Baldwin, CAE Aluminum Extruders Council

Independent Extruder Directors

Rick Merluzzi, Pennex Aluminum

Jeff Henderson, Sapa Extrusions, Inc.
Curt Rone, Jr.*, The Loxcreen Company, Inc.
Herbert Schuler, Jr., General Extrusions Inc.
Robert Swartz, Kaiser Aluminum

Producer Director
John Casaldi, Alcoa Primary Metals

Supplier Director
James Foy, Foy, Inc.

At-Large Directors

Lynn Brown, Hydro Aluminum

Jim Dickson, Rio Tinto Alcan

Past Chairman
Thomas E. Hutch, Jr., Aerolite Extrusion Company

*At-large member of the Executive Committee

COMMITTEE SERVICE

One of the principal reasons for the continued success and growth of the Aluminum Extruders Council, and its significant value to members, has been the meaningful contributions made by committees. Committee meetings are where tough issues that affect the industry are discussed and resolved on behalf of every member. Having direct input to these issues give committee volunteers real influence over some important matters.

Benefits
Beyond giving members a common voice in wrestling with business problems facing the industry, the committees are an excellent proving ground for:

• Honing leadership skillsStrengthening ties within the aluminum extrusion communityMaking new contacts with other extruders, suppliers, and producers whom you might not otherwise meetSharing expertise with other industry professionalsGaining deeper knowledge of industry issues of concernGathering new ideas for a specific area of responsibility
• Making a difference

Requirements
Every member company is encouraged to have someone serve on an AEC committee.

• Committee service is for one year, beginning on May 1.Members are asked to be conscientious, responsible, and somewhat flexible when serving on a committee. A member may be asked to take part in special assignments outside of the meetings to accomplish the goals of the committee.
• Demonstrate support of activities and projects being discussed and implemented by the committee. Committees meet at least twice a year. Special meetings and conference calls may also take place.

How to Apply
Fill out and return the completed Committee Services form to AEC with the following information:

• Your choice of committee showing your order of preference by marking your first choice, second choice, etc. When making your selection, consider whether you have special expertise or interest in a given area.Any special qualifications you may have that would be appropriate to a given committee. For example, experience with voluntary standards process under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) would be a qualification relevant to the Technical Services Committee.Acceptance of the Committee Service Commitment
• Your name, title, company name, telephone.

Committee Descriptions

Technical Services
Like many professionals in the industry, this committee is actively involved in a wide range of issues, from industry standards to press maintenance. The committee recommends programs, workshops, publications, and other member services as they relate to manufacturing operations and the technical aspects of extrusion production and/or fabrication.

Mission: It is the mission of the Technical Services Committee to serve as a forum for:

• Education,Communication,Technical standards,Safety,
• Product quality and services,

using the industry’s technical expertise to drive best practices and technical developments that promote the long-term health of the aluminum extrusion industry.

Finishing
The versatility of aluminum profiles in a wide range of applications is reflected in the versatility of surface treatments that can be used to finish the product. Addressing all finishing methods (mechanical, chemical, paint, powder, anodize, etc.), this committee reviews and recommends programs and related services that bring value-added benefits to members.

Mission: It is the mission of the AEC Finishing Committee to promote the use of painted and anodized aluminum extrusions, and to pursue marketing, technical, environmental, health and safety issues/opportunities affecting our AEC members that have finishing operations.

Die
Extrusion dies are pivotal to any successful extrusion operation. Recognizing this, the committee explores the technical elements of die design, production, and correction, all for the mutual benefit of the membership. The committee develops and/or recommends die-related programs and services, including surveys, publications, and clinics.

Mission: It is the mission of the Die Committee to exist as a forum for education and training in order to maximize die performance through creativity and communication to optimize the process of aluminum extrusion.

KAW
Keep Aluminum Windows is an advocacy program designed to ensure a prominent role for extruded aluminum fenestration products in residential and commercial buildings. Led by the KAW Committee, efforts include educating the building and construction industry, as well as the standards & codes bodies within it and government agencies regulating it, as to the advantages of working with aluminum extrusions. Fundraising is another important function of this committee. 

Mission: The mission of the KAW Committee is to serve the interests of the Aluminum Extruders Council and its membership through the advocacy of aluminum and its use in building and construction; to promote the use of aluminum products through all aspects of the residential, commercial, architectural building & construction industry.

Program Advisory
Education is at the core of this committee’s work. Taking a strategic view of the industry’s needs, the committee recommends content and delivery methods for education and training, and is a significant contributor to other program elements of AEC meetings.

Mission: The mission of the Program Advisory Committee is to advise AEC leadership in matters of educational programming and meetings of Council members.

Business Information
Another strong element of AEC's success has been the internal generation of industry-related statistics. Committee members are directly involved in developing effective surveys that provide answers to many of the industry's questions. Though committee members never see survey responses, they do oversee the management of the research process, monitor the effectiveness of surveys, and make recommendations for new programs. 

Mission: The mission of the Business Information Committee is to gather and provide information which would help our members and the industry:

• Analyze markets and business opportunities,
• Benchmark performance vs. industry trends and standards,
• Support needs in other AEC areas.
  
  

Marketing
With the rise of competing materials, marketing has gained a new significance. Whether it's a new market possibility or an industry-wide awareness campaign, Marketing is involved. Your work here could involve research or review of industry promotional programs, surveys, publications, website, workshops, or conferences. 

Mission: It is the mission of the Marketing Committee to promote aluminum extrusion and its advantages to all current and future markets.