METALfab2017 was a BIG Success!

THANK YOU to everyone who helped make it successful.

The first year of the co-location with NOMMA and American Fence Association (AFA) proved to be a successful one with increased attendance, an increased interested in exhibiting, and many educational sessions for members from both associations to choose from. There was plenty to learn, lots to do, and people to meet for all who attended. 

The NOMMA Welcome Reception, held on Thursday, February 2, was one of many well-attended events. It was an evening full of networking and reuniting with new and old friends. The History in the Making Opening Party, held on Friday, February 3, was great for NOMMA members and AFA members to integrate and get to know each other better. Saturday, February 4, began with NOMMA's Annual Meeting where select NOMMA members were awarded for their service to the industry. In the evening, NEF's Party with a Purpose, was a HUGE hit in raising funds for the foundation. On the morning of Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, NOMMA hosted a Breakfast of Champions where winners of the Top Job Award Contest were announced and given their awards. 

Meet us in Phoenix, Arizona for Next Year's METALfab! 

The President of Hallmark Iron Works, Charles Mercer, approached the NOMMA Education Foundation expressing his willingness to support the foundation through a generous annual donation and the establishment of the Cliff Brown Award to recognize contributions to the education of the industry. This award honors Cliff Brown, who was the founder of Hallmark Iron. Mr. Brown always believed in the importance of giving back to the industry that had been good to him and his company. In this vein, Mr. Mercer wanted to continue recognizing outstanding efforts in the area of education for the ornamental and miscellaneous metals industry. Thus, the Cliff Brown Award was established in 2002 and has been recognizing outstanding contributions from individuals who have provided education to the industry. The NOMMA Education Foundation wants to publicly thank Mr. Mercer and Hallmark Iron Works for their tremendous support over the years. This year, the Cliff Brown Award was presented to Carl Grainger, Grainger Metalwork. Whether it is giving of his time to other members, teaching continuing education classes or classes at METALfab, educating non-members about the value of being a NOMMA member, responding to questions on ListServ, or one-on-one conversations that provide a wealth of knowledge to NOMMA members and the industry, Carl is always involved in the education of the industry. Carl also uses his special skill as an auctioneer at NEF's Party with a Purpose to raise funds to support the foundation. Carl has helped raise over $250,000 to support the foundation. As a trustee of the foundation, Carl is an outstanding advocate of the ornamental and miscellaneous metals industry. Carl - thank you very much for all that you do for NEF and the industry!

2017 Ernest Wiemann Top Job Competition Winners

Companies are employing new outreach, technologies and training methods to help ensure that millennials don't become manufacturing's lost generation. Attracting millennials becomes especially critical as the generation born in the aftermath of World War II gradually disappears from the workforce. Since January 2011, Pew Research notes, baby boomers have been retiring at the rate of 10,000 a day and will continue to do so for the next 17 years. "This generation is industrious, ambitious and they want to move ahead. They will make an absolutely amazing manufacturing workforce."

Make sure you stay tuned for the March Newsletter where we will include tips on organizing your truck and shop when preparing for installations. Tips from this past week's METALfab will be shared.