2024 Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Awards Gala Nominees

NBT, the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association’s charitable foundation, is honored
to applaud some of the finest champions in metals manufacturing who share their time,
talent, and treasure. The following award nominees demonstrate their unwavering
commitment to the industry through leadership, volunteerism, and charitable support of
NBT’s programs. The three awards will be presented on Wednesday, October 2 at the
NBT Awards Gala at Victoria in the Park in Mount Prospect, Ill.

Award Nominees:

Impact on Industry
Future of Industry
Power of Industry

Impact on Industry Award Nominees

Cincinnati Incorporated

Since its founding in 1898, Cincinnati Incorporated (CI) has been at the forefront of producing top-quality machinery. Their manufacturing lineup includes lasers, press brakes, shears, software, automation, and virtually everything required to complete projects efficiently.

CI takes immense pride in their extensive heritage of metal fabrication expertise and diligently ensures that their offerings are equipped with the most modern technology and feature cutting-edge innovations. Beyond machinery, CI’s commitment to fostering knowledge within the industry extends to the community.

CI has been a company member of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA) since 2017 and consistently supports FMA events, publications, and tradeshows. CI senior vice president and general manager, Rakesh Kumar, has served on the FMA board of directors since 2021 and is currently a member of the NBT board as well.

To encourage the next generation to pursue manufacturing career pathways, CI has made a significant commitment to help fund the expansion of NBT summer manufacturing camps in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana through 2029.

In addition to supporting Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT), CI contributes annually to local charities through the Cincinnati Incorporated Charitable Foundation (CICF). This commitment to community engagement is at the heart of CI’s company values, and they strive to make a positive impact on the lives of diverse individuals and aid in their pursuit of success.

One large initiative that CI sponsors is supporting four DePaul Cristo Rey high school students for an entire semester to teach them about business and provide their tuition.

CI is also partnering with Folds of Honor and donating a portion of machine sales during the FABTECH expo in Orlando.

In addition, the CICF supports numerous local non-profit organizations that enrich the community and strengthens the comradery of CI employees by promoting active volunteerism. The company encourages their leaders to be active on community boards and has a companywide recycling program as part of their social responsibility and sustainability initiatives.

Cincinnati Incorporated has been nominated for the Impact on Industry award for their long-standing support of FMA and NBT along with their philanthropic efforts to better the communities they serve.

Merrill

Merrill (officially Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated), previously branded Merrill Lynch, is an American investment management and wealth management division of Bank of America. Along with Bank of America securities, the investment banking arm, both firms engage in prime brokerage and broker-dealer activities. The firm is headquartered in New York City, and once occupied the entire 34 stories of 250 Vesey Street, part of the Brookfield Place complex in Manhattan. Merrill employs over 14,000 financial advisors and manages $2.8 trillion in client assets ($3.4 trillion for Global Wealth and Investment Management). The company also operates Merrill Edge, a division for investment and related services, including call center consultancy.

Merrill has been a valued supporter of the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) Foundation, providing sponsorship, donations, and other contributions. In addition, Patrick Crowley, assistant vice president at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., has served as a member of the NBT board of directors since 2020. The company’s ongoing support has enabled NBT to sustain and expand its programming, especially the summer manufacturing camp program, which provides a unique opportunity for students to explore the world of manufacturing from a young age.

By providing sponsorships of events and donating items for silent auctions, Merrill is helping to make these opportunities more accessible to students who may not have otherwise had the chance to participate. The company believes this is especially important because it can help spark an interest in manufacturing careers among young people who may not have considered them previously. The impact of this initiative can be significant, as it can inspire students to pursue hands-on manufacturing careers that are critical to the economy. By providing early exposure to manufacturing concepts and skills, NBT’s summer camp program can help shape the next generation of manufacturers, engineers, and innovators.

It’s heartening to see organizations like Merrill stepping up to support initiatives that promote education and career development in this way. The company was nominated for the Impact on Industry award because their partnership with NBT demonstrates Merrill’s understanding of the importance of corporate social responsibility and community engagement.

TRUMPF

The TRUMPF Group is a German industrial machine manufacturing company. It is a family-owned company with its head office in Ditzigen near Stuttgart. TRUMPF is one of the world’s biggest providers of machine tools. With more than 70 operative subsidiaries, the TRUMPF Group is represented in all important markets worldwide. Its production facilities are based in China, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and the US.

The larger area of activity comprises machine tools for flexible sheet metal and tube processing. TRUMPF offers machines for bending, punching, combined punch and laser processing, and also laser cutting and welding applications. Diverse automation solutions and a range of software for digitally connected production solutions round off the portfolio. The product range in laser technology comprises laser systems for the cutting, welding and surface treatment of three-dimensional components. TRUMPF also provides high-performance CO2 lasers, disk and fiber lasers, direct diode lasers, ultrashort pulse lasers, and marking lasers and marking systems. 3D printing machines for metal components were added in 2015.

TRUMPF has a long history of supporting the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA) through company memberships, exhibiting at FABTECH expos, advertising in FMA publications, and sponsorships of numerous educational conferences such as the FMA Annual Meeting and ALAW. Burke Doar, executive vice president of TRUMPF, Inc., served on the FMA board of directors from 2011 – 2014, and Jim Rogowski, vice president of technical services, currently serves as the immediate past chair of the FMA board. Since 2018, TRUMPF has also been a generous sponsor and donor to NBT events, providing financial support for numerous manufacturing camps and scholarships.

In recognition of their longstanding commitment to FMA and the metal fabricating industry, as well as their philanthropic efforts in support of NBT’s fundraising initiatives, TRUMPF has been nominated for the Impact on Industry award.

Future of Industry Award Nominees

College of the Canyons

College of the Canyons is part of the California Community College System, the largest system of higher education in the U.S. with 116 accredited colleges serving 1.9 million students. College of the Canyons is a public college in Santa Clarita, offering 275 associate degree and certificate programs, and 17 athletic programs.

Collaborating with Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) for the first time in 2012, College of the Canyons (COC) proudly hosted its inaugural “Weld-Fab” summer manufacturing camp. Since then, COC has continued to partner with NBT to offer a range of summer manufacturing camps catering to students aged 12-17 with diverse interests. The common goal of these camps is to educate students about the vast career opportunities available in the manufacturing industry.

The manufacturing camps provided by College of the Canyons offer a valuable opportunity for students to gain practical experience and insight into various careers in the manufacturing sector. By introducing students to the industry at a young age, the college is playing a crucial role in addressing the shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing sector.

In total, COC has hosted 12 NBT summer manufacturing camps over the past several years, touching the lives of more than 170 students. College of the Canyons camp director, Tim Baber, is an active member of FMA’s Fabrication and Welding Education Technology Council.

College of the Canyons has been nominated for the Future of Industry award in recognition of the great example their NBT summer camps set in exposing hundreds of students to future career opportunities in manufacturing. These experiences can help spark an interest in students to pursue hands-on jobs in manufacturing.

Gogebic Community College

Gogebic Community College is located in Michigan’s majestic upper peninsula, with the main campus in Ironwood and the Copper Country Center in Houghton, MI. Their motto is, “At GCC you can live BOLD, learn BOLD, play BOLD and BE BOLD!”

Gogebic Community College (GCC) became a host for a Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) summer manufacturing camp for the first time in 2021. Since then, GCC has continued to partner with NBT to offer summer manufacturing camps to students aged 12-16 with varying interests. The goal is to educate Upper Michigan students about the career opportunities available in manufacturing.

The camps provide a unique chance for students to gain hands-on experience and exposure to various careers in manufacturing, which can be crucial in determining their future career paths. By introducing students to the industry at a young age, GCC might influence their educational choices and direct their career decisions toward manufacturing, helping to address the shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing sector.

In total, GCC has hosted five NBT summer manufacturing camps over the past four years.

GCC has also donated numerous projects created by camp participants to the NBT Awards Gala art auction, including a metal Scorpion Arachnida. Students at GCC’s NBT welding summer manufacturing camp were able to create and build their donated auction item using fabrication and welding skills learned during the camp.

Gogebic Community College was nominated for the Future of Industry award for their outstanding efforts and commitment to providing students with practical skills and experiences that prepare them for the workforce. The college’s camps are designed to spark an interest in students to pursue fulfilling careers in the industry, which is essential for meeting the demand for workers in the years to come.

Northcentral Technical College

Northcentral Technical College (NTC), located in Wausau, Wisconsin, was founded in 1912 in a small two-story building originally called Wausau Industrial School. For over 100 years, NTC has worked to change lives in Central Wisconsin by inspiring learners and working with local businesses.

NTC’s partnership with Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) began in 2018 with the inaugural “Make It Real: Imagine, Design, Manufacture” camp. Since then, NTC has continued to host summer manufacturing camps for students aged 12-16, introducing them to the diverse career opportunities available in manufacturing. The camps cater to both boys and girls, with programs such as “Make It Real: Imagine, Design, Manufacture” focusing on welding and machine tool skills. To promote greater representation in the industry, NTC also offers specialized camps like “Women of Industry” and “Girls Make It Real: Imagine, Design, Manufacture”. One unique aspect of the program is the “Make It Real: For Our Community” camp, where students design and complete a project for the local community. In 2023, the fruits of their labor were proudly displayed with the installation of a finished piece at Monk Botanical Gardens near the NTC campus.

In total, NTC has hosted 11 NBT summer manufacturing camps over the past five years, touching the lives of more than 175 students.

NTC has also donated numerous projects created by camp participants to the NBT Awards Gala art auction, including a welded table and chair set, a metal Christmas tree equipped with lights and motion, a metal fall wreath, and much more. Each year, the talented students and staff donate their art in support of NBT’s summer manufacturing camp program.

With this Impact on Industry award nomination, Northcentral Technical College is recognized for its innovative approach to preparing the next generation of manufacturing workers. By offering camps that expose students to various career opportunities in manufacturing, NTC is not only sparking interest in students but also helping to address the industry’s need for skilled workers.

NTC’s camps are a great example of how educational institutions can work with local manufacturers to address labor shortages and ensure a steady supply of skilled workers. By providing students with real-world experiences and hands-on training, NTC is helping to bridge the gap between education and industry needs.

Power of Industry Award

John Axelberg, President, General Stamping & Metalworks

John is the third generation of the Axelberg family to own and operate General Stamping & Metalworks, succeeding his father, Jim, as president in 2005. John formally joined the family enterprise in 1984, learning the business through involvement in all aspects of the operation. As president, John continually collaborates with the executive team to promote growth and the continuous improvement of the company, as well as its employees. John is still very much a “hands-on” president and active mentor to many of the company’s employees. John earned a B.A. in English literature from DePauw University and has been actively engaged in board and directorship positions within the South Bend, Indiana community and the metal fabricating industry.

John Axelberg’s company, General Stamping & Metalworks, joined the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA) in 1997. Since 2014, John has actively participated in FMA and Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) events, making significant financial contributions and serving on panels at various meetings. He previously served on various FMA advisory committees and is currently a member of the Governance Committee of the NBT board of directors.

John’s contributions have had a keen impact on the foundation by supporting Summer Manufacturing Camps that introduce students to various career opportunities in manufacturing. Through his generous support of NBT’s summer camp program, particularly camps in the South Bend area, John is providing early exposure to manufacturing concepts and skills, helping to shape the future of the industry and addressing the industry’s need for skilled workers. For his long-term involvement with FMA and support of NBT, John has been nominated for the Power of Industry award, recognizing his efforts to advance the metals manufacturing industry.

Joseph Dagnese, Chief Executive Officer, PECO Pallet

Joseph Dagnese was named CEO of PECO Pallet in June 2016, having previously served as president at Con-way Freight and executive vice-president of parent company, Con-way Inc. Joe was responsible for Con-way Freight’s overall operating and financial performance, strategic planning, and business plan development. He also set the direction of the company’s continuous improvement processes and played a direct role in its change management, employee engagement, and leadership development activities. With over 30 years in the global logistics and transportation industry, Joe brings tremendous experience, insight, and leadership to the PECO Pallet team.

Joe has served on the NBT board of directors since 2020 and has been an incredibly dedicated and effective leader in his current role as chair. His willingness to give his time, talents, and treasures is truly admirable, and it’s clear that he has made a significant impact on the organization.

As a driving force on the board, Joe has brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, and his connections with donors, prospects, and former professional allies have been instrumental in furthering the goals of the organization. He is not only dedicated to his work but also willing to share his resources and expertise with others. This kind of leadership can be incredibly powerful in driving growth and success.

Joe was nominated for the Power of Industry award as testament to his hard work and commitment to excellence in furthering NBT’s mission.

Joe will undoubtedly continue to make a lasting impact in the industry and on tomorrow’s manufacturing workforce.

Lisa Wertzbaugher, Wertzbaugher Consulting

Lisa Wertzbaugher is the Owner/Principal at Wertzbaugher Consulting and specializes in finance, sales, and strategy support for small and mid-size businesses. Lisa has over 15 years of progressive business development and sales experience, providing clients with consulting in areas such as sales, marketing, finance, and business operations. Wertzbaugher Consulting primarily assists companies in developing and deploying growth strategies. Lisa’s experience includes development and execution of revenue strategies, national account management, sales and finance reporting, contract negotiation, and portfolio planning. Lisa spent 10+ years in the medical device industry working in sales, marketing, product development, and international business prior to working in manufacturing since 2013.

In addition, Lisa and her husband own Wertzbaugher Services, a fabricating and welding shop that also offers freight hauling in the Iowa City, Iowa area.

Lisa has been an active member of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA) for several years. She currently serves on the FMA board of directors and was appointed to the FMAC board in 2018. Additionally, she is a member of the TPA Council and TPA Advisory Board, and regularly contributes to The Tube & Pipe Journal. As a respected industry expert, Lisa frequently presents on next gen workforce topics at FMA’s Annual Meeting and other conferences, workshops, and events.

Lisa is a loyal supporter of Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT), contributing her time, talent, and resources to advance the foundation’s mission. She is especially supportive of NBT’s Inclusion Manufacturing Camps. In addition to pledging her own donation, Lisa was instrumental in helping secure a large gift to the inclusion camp program from Larry and Gloria Dlouhy.

Lisa has been nominated for the Power of Industry award for her leadership and dedication to the manufacturing industry and continued involvement in FMA and NBT. Through her work, Lisa has made a profound impact on manufacturers throughout the industry by influencing positive change for their businesses and championing the mission of NBT to attract the next generation of manufacturers.

Reserve your tickets now for a celebratory evening that will help ensure the
industry’s future is equipped with a thriving skilled workforce.