Presented by AMADA AMERICA, Inc., the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Awards Gala, held on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, at Manzo’s Banquets in Des Plaines, Illinois, was a memorable occasion for all in attendance. Friends and colleagues gathered in person for an evening of merriment and comradery to toast the award winners and hear firsthand the progress and impact NBT is making to build tomorrow’s skilled manufacturing workforce.

During the celebratory event, NBT board members presented the prestigious Power of Industry, Impact on Industry, and Future of Industry awards to honor some of the finest champions of manufacturing.

Award Winners Honored for Their Contribution to the Industry

Bruce Benedict of Production Tube Cutting

Power of Industry Award
Bruce Benedict, Production Tube Cutting, Dayton, Ohio

Since 2014, Bruce has served on multiple committees for both the TPA and FMA. In 2017, Bruce ascended to the position of chair for both the TPA and NBT boards. Bruce led efforts in 2019 to establish the governance committee of NBT to build a formal structure and process to identify, recruit, and evaluate board member productivity. Bruce has acted as chair of that committee 2019-2021.
Bruce Benedict was presented with the Power of Industry Award due to his demonstrated dedication to identify and support the next-generation manufacturing workforce. The totality of Bruce’s long-term commitment of time, talent, and treasure to NBT are immeasurable to the success and growth of the organization. His passion for helping people build better lives through the manufacturing industry is astounding, and we are thankful for his belief in the work of NBT.

Thomas Doyle of CNA

Impact on Industry Award
CNA, Chicago, Ill.

CNA’s ongoing support and sponsorship of NBT’s fundraising events such as GOLF4MFG, RUN4MFG, and the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Awards Gala have been instrumental in the success and growth of the foundation’s summer manufacturing camp and scholarship programs.
CNA received the Impact on Industry Award due to its leadership and partnership with FMA and NBT, its dedication to the manufacturing industry and the communities it serves, and the incredible example it sets for its company employees in charitable giving and volunteer service.

Linda Nellen of Madison Area Technical College

Future of Industry Award
Madison Area Technical College, Portage, Wis.

Madison College began its partnership with NBT in 2018 with the creation of several camps that introduced students to metal fabrication, welding, and technology. Their summer manufacturing camps have made an impact in the area that is reflected by the positive camp media coverage they have received and the strong partnerships they have built with local manufacturers. Madison College continues to build lasting relationships within the manufacturing community and gain local support and increased camp participation year-after-year.
Madison College was awarded the Future of Industry Award due to its clear goals, local manufacturing support, and outreach to over 150 middle and high school students with encouragement to explore manufacturing and welding careers in the future.

NBT Camp Participant Wows the Crowd

Madison Martin, a student at Itawamba Community College and NBT Board Member Gina Black of Community Development Foundation

Madison Martin, a student at Itawamba Community College, first attended an NBT summer manufacturing camp in 2017 where she was introduced to welding. Madison impressed the packed crowd as she detailed her experience firsthand of how the Tek2Go Camp at Itawamba Community College ignited her passion and helped influence her decision to pursue a career in welding! Read more about Madison’s story.

Student and Professional Artisans Display Their Creativity

Artisans from across the country participated in the Gala Art Auction, which was held in conjunction with the awards event. Showcasing the versatility, imagination, and talent of student and professional artists alike, the silent and live auctions allowed both online and in-person bidders to view and bid on unique, one-of-a-kind items. Guests who attended the event were entertained by the unique talents of Jeff Marrs, auctioneer, during the live auction. The auctions were a huge hit, raising over $12,000 in support of the growing summer manufacturing camp and scholarship programs of the NBT foundation.

Additional Gold and Table sponsors CNA, Mitsubishi Laser, Merrill Lynch, and Antigone Sharris of Triton College helped make the night an unforgettable success.