ISRI to hand out lifetime achievement awards
ISRI has announced it will honour two members of the recycling industry with lifetime achievement awards.
Robert Goldstein and Bruce Blue will receive the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. They are recognized for lifelong commitment, leadership, and service to the recycling industry.
Robert Goldstein
Through his more than 37 years of service in ISRI, Goldstein has helped propel the recycled materials industry to new heights. He began his career at the age of 13 when he began doing clean up tasks at the family’s facility. The impact of his work at a young age was formative and served as the backbone of a strong work ethic.
In 2003, Goldstein was named Chairman and CEO of Alter Trading Corporation, his family-owned recycled materials industry. In 2009, Robert was named Chairman and CEO of Goldstein Group, Inc., the parent company of Alter Trading Corporation, and he continues to serve as Chairman of both today.
“Robert is a legend in the recycled materials industry, exemplifying true leadership, integrity and the best of who we are as an industry” said ISRI President Robin Wiener. “I have long admired his long-time commitment to the wellbeing of the people who work for him, as well as the communities where Alter’s operations are located, and am excited that ISRI has this opportunity to honor him.”
Goldstein is a graduate of Tulane University. In addition to his current role, he is an officer and director of affiliated real estate development and transportation businesses involved in inland marine logistics. Under Robert’s leadership, Alter has grown in its ISRI involvement since its beginnings, establishing his commitment to not only the company but the industry as a whole. Additionally, Robert is involved in many community and charitable endeavors across the U.S., as well as YPO service for decades.
Bruce Blue
Blue was raised in his family-owned recycled materials business, Louisville Scrap Metals, then later owned his own company Freedom Metals. He has served ISRI as a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. He is a former ISRI Chapter President and President of ISRI Chapter Presidents, as well as a member of, and past Chair of the Audit Committee and Convention Planning Committee, respectively. He was a member of the Long Range Planning Committee, and is a member of the ISRI Century Club.
Blue is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. He has served as a Member of the Kentucky General Assembly Committee on Deposit Legislation, and Member of the U.S. Department of Defense Committee to Study Strategic Stockpiles. He has been a member of committees to pass metals theft laws in both Metro Louisville and the State of Kentucky, the Solid Waste Board Metro Louisville, and President of Kentucky Recycling Association.
“Bruce is an institution and role model within the recycled materials industry who has paved the way for the industry of tomorrow,” said ISRI Chair Brian Henesey. “Bruce is a true industry champion who represents the greatness that the ISRI Lifetime Achievement Award signifies to our members.”
Actively involved in community services throughout his career, Blue has served as a Member and Officer of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Center of Louisville, President of the Congregation Adath Jeshurum. He also has been on the Simmons College Board of Directors (an HBCU), and the Board of Directors for the Waldon School Board.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented each year in recognition of an individual or individuals’ life-long dedication and leadership in the recycled materials industry and commitment to ISRI. Goldstein and Blue will be recognized during the awards presentation on April 18 as part of ISRI2023 Convention and Exposition in Nashville, Tenn.