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!