For Immediate Release

January 9, 2006

Contact: Cindy Fauth  

312.673.5730

Photos available apon request

Association of Steel Distributors Announces

2005 Honorary Steel Man of the Year Award winner:

James P. Bouchard, Chairman and CEO, Esmark Inc. 

CHICAGO — The Association of Steel Distributors (ASD) announced that James P. Bouchard, chairman and CEO of Esmark Inc., will receive the 2005 Honorary Steel Man of the Year award. This year, ASD is pleased to bestow its highest honor, an industry distinction, to Mr. Bouchard. He will be honored at a black-tie reception and dinner on Sunday evening, March 26, 2006, at the Fairmont Pierre Marques in Acapulco, Mexico , coinciding with the association’s Annual Convention.

"Jim Bouchard has transitioned from the mill side of the steel industry to the distribution end and brought a dynamic new wave of change to the service center market,” said Doug Everhart, vice president, Purchasing, Wyoming Steel and current president of ASD. “He exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of the ASD and brings a commitment to our industry and organization that will serve us well into the future. We are proud to have Esmark representing our organization and wish Jim the best in his continuing contributions to the steel industry."

It is an ASD tradition to honor one individual who, through their distinct leadership skills, dedication and commitment, strives to achieve excellence for the steel industry. James Bouchard embodies this dedication and quest for excellence in the steel industry.

Bouchard follows the footsteps of his father, Robert C. Bouchard, who began his career in the mail room of Inland Steel Co. (now Mittal Steel Company) and through dedication and hard work climbed the ladder to the executive ranks of the company. One of seven children, (five boys, two girls), Bouchard has emulated his father’s dedication and work ethic, along with his passion for the steel industry. As his brother and business partner, Craig T. Bouchard, noted, “Jim was always the one sitting on our father’s lap talking steel with him. He had an affinity for the business from the start.”

“I’m deeply honored to be recognized by ASD,” said Bouchard. “Since my early days at Inland Steel and US Steel I’ve dreamed of being in a position to bring vitality, efficiencies and productivity to the steel industry. Using Esmark as a platform, we are reinventing the steel service sector through strong inventory management, highly efficient facilities, a world-class workforce and a singular focus on customer needs. This award is a testament to the Esmark family of employees who are making my vision a reality.”

Jim Bouchard began his career during college as an intern at Metron Steel. Upon graduating from Loyola University ( School of Business), he earned his first job in 1983 as a sales trainee for Inland Steel. Mr. Bouchard joined US Steel in 1987 as a sales representative and was rapidly promoted through several sales and marketing positions including Manager-Marketing and Strategic Market Development manager for the corporation. In 1998, he became Manager of National Accounts for the company and was responsible for sales, marketing, and customer service activities in the U.S. appliance, container, and converter industries. Throughout these positions Jim became a prominent figure in the domestic steel industry and has maintained and built upon these customer relationships.

Prior to founding Esmark Inc., Jim was Vice President-Commercial for U.S. Steel in Europe, residing in Kosice, Slovakia. He was a member of the executive team that U.S. Steel sent to Kosice to acquire the Slovakian National Steel Company (VSZ). Jim is widely credited with the successful commercial restructuring, implementation, and subsequent growth strategy of the company's global and European sales, marketing, strategic planning, and production planning initiatives. Today, US Steel Kosice is one of the most profitable steel assets in the world.

Along with his brother Craig, Jim founded Esmark Inc. in late 2003 as a holding group for the steel assets of the Bouchard Group. At the time it was founded, Esmark owned two companies and has since grown to nine. The company Bouchard built from scratch went from $4 million to $700 million in annual revenue in two years. Now with more than 4,000 customers across the United States, Esmark Inc. is one of the most profitable and respected companies in the steel industry.

“Jim’s vision and drive for the company is unmatched. He is the brightest mind in the industry, and has the support of all the people he works with. His executives, managers and employees are committed to his vision and the entrepreneurial culture he has created – always putting the customer first and assisting customers to better their businesses,” said Craig Bouchard, co-founder and president of Esmark.

Jim and Carolyn K. Bouchard have been married for 20 years and have three children; Natalie (15), Clayton (11), and Aubrey (7). Mr. Bouchard’s office is in Chicago, Ill., and he resides in Sewickley, Pa.

About the Association of Steel Distributors :

Headquartered in Chicago, the Association of Steel Distributors is a non-profit organization, providing the steel distribution industry a forum for ideas exchange and market information. Members have access to the most current industry developments and legislative issues. Regional and national meetings give members numerous opportunities to learn and network in this competitive environment.

About Esmark Inc.:

Headquartered in Chicago, Esmark is a steel services family of companies. The mission of Esmark is to establish the benchmark standards for strategic consolidation, operating efficiency and management excellence in the global steel service sector. More information about Esmark can be found at www.esmark.com.

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