Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Congratulations to Jeff Kelly, Recipient of NTMA's L.A. Sommer Memorial Award

Our fall conference in Nashville produced a number of great discussions and good opportunities to network and learn more about our industry.  It also allowed us to recognize some of our members for what they have achieved professionally over the years.

Jeff Kelly, owner of Trafford, PA-based Hamill Manufacturing, was recognized with NTMA's most prestigious award: the "L.A. Sommer Memorial Award", which is given to members for their exceptional service, dedication and leadership in the industry.

Jeff is a former National Chairman of NTMA and member of the Executive Team.  He has been a leader on one of our industry's most pressing issues -- the need to find skilled workers to take on positions in our increasingly sophisticated industry.  Jeff launched an effort under the NTMA Government Affairs and Education Teams to seek multi-year federal funding for the development of recruiting and training centers in select NTMA chapter areas.  Initially names PJAM, for "Precision Jobs for American Manufacturing", the program later became known as AMPED, "Advanced Manufacturing Practices and Educational Development."

Jeff also stepped in when our association needed him most, serving as Interim CEO of NTMA for 3 years beginning in 2005 following the resignation of NTMA's president.  Jeff committed himself to making sure that our association had the leadership in place that it needed during this time, implementing numerous streamlining and cost saving initiatives while leading the search for a new association president.  Jeff currently servces on our Board of Trustees and on the NTMA Insurance and NTMF Boards.

The members of NTMA owe a great deal to Jeff for his commitment to both our association and our industry as a whole.  We are better off for his contributions, and our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Jeff in appreciation for all that he has accomplished.  Congratulations, Jeff!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Great Meeting in Nashville...and Don't Forget to Vote!

I want  to give a big thanks to everyone who was involved in making this year's Fall Conference in Nashville a big success!  We had excellent turnout both for the conference and the Contract Manufacturing Purchasing Fair that took place just beforehand.  Thanks to the terrific speakers, great discussions and networking events -- and the success of the Purchasing Fair itself -- this year's theme of "Transforming for Competitiveness" came through strongly throughout the week's events. 

I'd also like to salute NTMA member Herb Homeyer of Homeyer Tool and Die Co. in Marthasville, Missouri.  Herb was awarded the William E. Hardman Award for Excellence in Training for his "lifelong dedication to improving the quality of training and promoting career opportunities for young men and women in the precision custom manufacturing industry."  (See photo below.)  It's through the efforts of people like Herb that our industry is set to prosper going into the future.  Congratulations again, Herb!

Finally, as we look to Election Day next Tuesday, remember how important it is for us all to get involved.  As I've mentioned before, manufacturers and their families account for roughly seven percent of the voting age population in this election.  Our voices -- expressed by our ballots -- can make a big impact on the outcome of what looks to be a very close election.
For information about where the candidates stand on issues that are important to our industry, you can always visit our advocacy website at www.metalworkingadvocate.org

And remember, whatever the outcome next week, NTMA will be fighting on your behalf in Washington, DC!

[Photo below: Roger Atkins, Dave Tilstone and William Hardman Award Winner Herb Homeyer on stage at the 2012 NTMA Fall Conference.]