Thanks to everyone who helped make the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Virtual Awards Gala a huge success by tuning in, donating, bidding on auction items, and purchasing raffle tickets. And a special thank you to our guest speakers and staff who provided such an entertaining and engaging event.

Presented by AMADA AMERICA, INC., the live-streamed event was held on Thursday, Oct 22, 2020. The virtual format enabled NBT, the foundation of FMA, to reach more supporters, including 173 people who registered for the event and over 1000 views via YouTube and Facebook Live.

Congratulations to all of our award winners!

The virtual gala showcased NBT’s impact in building tomorrow’s manufacturing workforce and honored those who are championing the industry today. Virtual attendees helped NBT celebrate some of the industry’s finest contributors with the following award recognitions:

Impact on Industry:

MC Machinery Systems Inc / Mitsubishi Laser & Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

MC Machinery Systems Inc / Mitsubishi Laser received the Impact on Industry Award due to its long-standing support of FMA, NBT, and the metals manufacturing industry. Its philanthropic support stands alone, and when partnered with the forward-thinking and community-minded endeavors of the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) in supporting NBT inclusion camps for special needs students, the corporation’s commitment to the metals manufacturing industry represents an impressive contribution to be emulated.

Power of Industry:

Rick Hoffman, EIMCo

Rick Hoffman, the founder of East Iowa Machine Co (EIMCo), received the Power of Industry Award because of his passion for engaging future manufacturers. His generous philanthropic donation to the NBT summer manufacturing camp program will support camps in the state of Iowa over the next five years.

Rick’s investment in NBT extends beyond his monetary gift and is shown in his support of NBT’s mission and goals. Along with his donation, Rick visits summer manufacturing camps in Iowa and the surrounding areas to serve as a mentor and example of a successful entrepreneur to the students. Rick’s willingness to support and advocate for the metals manufacturing industry by sharing his time, talent, and resources sets the bar for like-minded leaders.

Future of Industry:

Triton College

Triton College in River Grove, Illinois, received the Future of Industry Award in recognition of its nearly decade-long partnership with NBT. Triton’s Engineering Technology chair and instructor Antigone Sharris created the GADgET (Girls Adventuring in Design, Engineering, and Technology) and GLoW (Girls Learning to Weld) camp models, which encourage girls to explore manufacturing careers. With Sharris’ leadership and dedication, Triton College has been a trailblazer for introducing girls to the NBT summer manufacturing camp program. In addition, it has provided other local schools valuable advice and assistance in holding a girls-focused camp along with curriculum tips and guidance.

Artisans Donated One-of-a-Kind Pieces

The unique art collection in the silent auction showcased 46 items donated by the talents and creativity of professional and student artisans from across the country. Art pieces included various metals, woods, oil paintings, giclée, and more.

To date, NBT has impacted over 9,000 students across the country through summer manufacturing camps and scholarship programs. Proceeds of the awards gala help NBT continue to support the foundation’s mission to build a pipeline of skilled workers for the manufacturing industry of tomorrow.