Business View Magazine Jan-2019

129 that has resulted in fewer companies representing the same volume of processed material.” BVM: Howwould you explain the benefits of ISRI membership to non-member companies? Wiener: “First,we have a strong networking pro- gram for member companies for business develop- ment.We provide different forums throughout the year, including our convention–the largest in the world for the recycling industry.We average 5,000 participants, and our trade showfloor has over 500,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space with heavy equip- ment, as well as the latest industry technologies and innovations displayed. “We also have a significant education and training compliance program for members. Part of that is our safety program, that was transformed ten years ago from a typical reactive, or passive, program (giving out videos, posters, etc.), to a proactive program.We actually have a staff of five in our safety department, who will spend up to three days at a member’s facil- ity doing driver ride-alongs, safety blueprint services, and train-the-trainer programs for equipment. It provides significant benefits and is included free with membership. “As for our advocacy program–I think we’re the strongest voice on Capitol Hill,when it comes to re- cycling.We’ve done a lot to help our members pro- mote their interests, both advancing legislation, as well as making sure that legislation which may not be helpful is modified or takes into consideration our industry.We’re also verymuch involved in inter- national trade. In any given year, between 30 and 40 percent of what the industry processes for recycling is sold into the global marketplace to industrial consumers in more than 150 countries. Last year, scrap exports from the U.S.were valued at approxi- mately $18 billion. So,we’re naturally very active on behalf of the industry in our industry’s major export markets; talking to governments around the world