Newsletter - Baker Sales Pipe - Steel Pipe and Fence Products

View Archive
Newsletters

Pipe News You Can Use

Steel Hikes Forecasted

STEEL HIKES FORECASTED

Deustsche Bank Analyst Dave Martin expects 2010 benchmark U.S. hot-rolled sheet in coil steel prices to rise 33% to $625/ton from the 2009 price average. Note: We have already seen Steel Pipe price increases of over 30% in the first 3 months of this year (2010).

One of the main reasons for the Steel Pipe increases is the strong demand from China on iron ore, coal, and scrap steel. Spot prices for coal have increased 15 to 20%.

Raw material prices are definitely on the rise, as well as energy and fuel costs.

One of the reasons many Distributors of Imported Steel Pipe are having shortages or holes in their inventory is that the price difference between Imported and Domestic ASTM A-53 GR A Pipe is now about 100%. In other words you’ll pay twice as much for Domestic Steel Pipe at their current prices.

GOOD NEWS FOR FENCING BUSINESS: Our Forster Aluminum Ornamental Fencing is still the same price as last year. This is one of the Best Buys for Fence Enclosures and Pool Fences. Buy Now and Save!

Please call, if we can help with any of your Steel Pipe or Fence Needs. Thank you.

Phone, Fax or e-mail your requirements today.

Call Beth, Lucy or Mike

1-800-472-4204 … Thank you.

Robert A. Baker

Robert A. Baker, President

Baker is Recipient of SBA Award

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STEEL PIPE AND FENCE SUPPLY DISTRIBUTOR

WINS STATE SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

Robert A. Baker, owner of Baker Sales Inc., Slidell,

La., has been selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the 2009 Louisiana Small Business Person of the Year.

President Barak Obama addressed Baker and other state winners at a private briefing on May 19 in the White House.

Baker was also honored by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal on May 21 at the Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge.

He was also recognized during the National Small Business Week celebration held May 17-19 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington D.C.

The National Small Business Person of the Year was selected from among 53 state winners, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. These small business owners were recognized during five major award events over the course of the three-day conference that focused on the achievements of America’s top entrepreneurs. Men and women involved in disaster recovery, government contracting, small business champions as well as SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development were among those honored.

Darryl K. Hairston, acting administrator of the United States Small Business Association, stated that Baker’s “hard work, innovative ideas, and dedication to your community have made you a success in your business. SBA is pleased to recognize you for these achievements. You can be proud of the role you are playing in our nation’s economic recovery.”

Baker Sales Inc. has been operating in southeast Louisiana for more than 30 years and is the area’s leading distributor of steel pipe and fencing materials. Additionally, Baker has been a civic-minded leader in the Slidell community, leading a volunteer team that planted more than 300 trees throughout the city and ultimately established Slidell as a Tree City USA. He also is an active member of the Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore, a charter board member of the Keep Slidell Beautiful affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, and a sustaining patron of numerous cultural and civic events.

According to Baker, Bill Joubert and Jonathan Holland of the Southeast LouisianaSmall BusinessDevelopment Center at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La. and the SBA were instrumental in the success of Baker Sales Inc. “Bill Joubert has been my number one business advisor for the last 10 years,” Baker said.

Baker also stressed that his business could not have survived, much less thrived, after Slidell suffered a direct hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 without the dedication and hard work of his entire staff.

Baker gives primary credit, however, to his “Chairman of the Board.”

“Soon after I had started my business I realized that the success of Baker Sales Inc. was in the hands of the Lord, so I made Him ‘Chairman of the Board.’ He has been our senior guiding partner ever since,” Baker said.

Each year since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of Small Business Week. National Small Business Week recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal successes and contributions to the nation. Small businesses represent more than 99 percent of all employers, provide 60 to 80 percent of the net new jobs, and generate a majority of American innovations.