For many years the American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. co-sponsored local fabricator groups across the country. In our area the local group was called Missouri-Southern Illinois AISC Regional Advisory Committee. These local AISC associations consisted of AISC Member fabricators whose goals were to promote the design and use of fabricated structural steel for buildings, bridges and industrial facilities through education. This also provided a forum for fabricators to meet structural steel engineers. Affiliate members to the association consisted of suppliers to the steel industry, such as paint manufacturers, steel detailers, erectors, etc.
In 1994 our local group’s name was changed to Bi-State Fabricators Association and its membership was then opened to non-AISC Member fabricators. The goals remain the same-to promote the use of fabricated structural steel.
Our Mission
There are three or four general membership meetings every year which are usually “self help” sessions for the fabricators and affiliate members. On occasion we have a guest speaker to address common issues.
We sponsor promotional programs twice a year which attract a large audience of prominent engineers, architects, educators, general contractors, construction managers and industry suppliers. The goal of these programs is to further educate attendees on innovative concepts in the industry and, in general, promote the use of fabricated structural steel. The Members and Affiliates sponsoring these programs are listed on the invitations that are sent to hundreds of decision-makers in our industry.
Educational activities include sponsoring student bridge competitions, offering tours of plant facilities, and stipends to offset the costs of educators to attend the National Steel Construction Conferences.