Speakers - Friday, September 20, 2024

09:00 am – 09:45 am 

"Steel Politics 2024: What to Expect in an Election Year"

Samir Kapadia, Political Analyst, COO and Principal for Vogel Group

Having spent a decade in policymaking and consulting in Washington, D.C., New York, and Mumbai, Samir helps some of the largest companies in the world understand how Washington can create risk or drive business growth. With a bipartisan background, his previous policy experience includes serving Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) and Senator Mark Warner  (D-VA). In 2023, Samir was ranked a "Top Lobbyist" in Washington by The Hill. Samir leads the firm’s trade practice, advising clients on tariffs and supply chain strategy issues. Samir is a frequent speaker on trade-related matters at industry conferences. His opinions have been cited in media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, The New York Times, Reuters, The Washington Post, POLITICO, FOX, CBS News, S&P Global, Fastmarkets AMM and others. In 2019 and 2020, Samir was ranked as the top lobbyist on tariff issues in Washington, D.C. in terms of cases lobbied on before federal agencies and Members of Congress. In Washington, Samir is well-regarded as a steel policy expert, having worked on domestic manufacturing, trade, industrial decarbonization, workforce and environmental permitting issues for international and domestic clients. He has worked on hundreds of Section 232 and 301 cases on behalf of some of the largest steel manufacturers and market participants in the world, from JSW Steel to Danieli Corporation. Samir has represented numerous multinational companies in connection with the regulatory and policy issues related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) strategy and implementation, including directing and managing negotiations with states related to economic incentives and investment credits. Over the past four years, he has advised on $8 billion in FDI, generating nearly $600 million in incentives for manufacturers.Samir received a B.A. and M.B.A. from Georgetown University. He is a frequent Guest Lecturer at Georgetown and served on the university’s Alumni Board of Governors.

10:00 am – 10:45 am

"An Economic Outlook for the US from Interest Rates to Energy and How it May Impact the Steel Industry”

 Scott is the Executive Vice President, Chief Economist and Director of Fixed Income Management with Commerce Trust. He joined Commerce in 1993 and has investment responsibilities for over $26 billion in fixed income assets. Scott manages the Commerce Short- Term Government (CFSTX) and the flagship Commerce Bond (CFBNX). Scott is also one of the longest tenured 4/5-Star ranked bond fund managers in the country having directly managed these funds for 29 years. The Commerce Fixed Income Group Scott leads, has twice won in the past decade the Lipper Fund Award for the Best Overall Fixed Income Small Fund Group in the country, beating out 67 others nationally recognized fund group. Prior to joining Commerce Bank, Scott worked for Duke Power, Fifth Third Bank, and as an adjunct professor at Xavier University. Scott received his Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1986 and received his Master of Business Administration from Xavier University in 1988. As a Chartered Financial Analyst, he has been both a Director and President of the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of St. Louis.

10:45 am – 11:15 am

"SNAP Principles: We all have our own value and ability to create rewarding relationships with customers, colleagues, friends and family – but sometimes it’s not that easy."

Kendal Gammon, Former NFL Football Player and Kansas City Chiefs 

A native of Rose Hill KS, Kendall earned his BSED at Pittsburg State from 87-91. He was a member of the Gorillas football squad and a captain his final two years. He was drafted by the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers in 92 and spent 15 years in the NFL.(Steelers 92-95, Saints 96-99, Chiefs 2000-06). After retiring from the NFL in 2006, he became a member of the Chiefs Radio Network for 12 years as well as taking a position with his alma mater, Pitt State Gorillas as the Special Assistant to the President. Additionally, Kendall has authored 2 books and speaks all around the country on Emotional Communication, Power of Gratitude and other topics. Kendall is the proud dad of two boys; Blaise(26) and Drake(23). Kendall played in Super Bowl XXX, the 2005 Pro Bowl and also was the radio color commentator for the Chiefs Super Bowl win in 2019. Kendall currently host a 3 hour Chiefs pregame show on 101 the Fox.