Meet the 2026 SparkForce Award Recipients 

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, celebrated manufacturing champions during the 2026 SparkForce Awards Gala on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Stonegate Banquet Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill. The annual fundraiser, presented by AMADA AMERICA, INC., brought together leaders, supporters, educators, and advocates from across manufacturing to honor those making a lasting impact. 

We are thrilled to announce the 2026 SparkForce Award recipients! These awards recognize the incredible individuals and organizations whose passion and generosity are shaping the next generation. 

Impact on Industry Winner: PMMI Foundation (Herndon, Va.) 

The Impact on Industry Award recognizes a corporation or business that has created a culture of philanthropy and demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the metals manufacturing industry through financial support, leadership involvement, and volunteer participation. 

The PMMI Foundation is a powerhouse in workforce development, dedicated to building the future of the packaging and processing industry. For the last six years, their generous support of co-branded SparkForce Summer Manufacturing Camps has allowed middle and high school students to experience advanced technologies and engage with industry professionals. By investing in career awareness and scholarships, the PMMI Foundation is strengthening the talent pipeline and ensuring the industry’s next generation of innovators and engineers are prepared for success. 

Power of Industry Winner: Jeff Adams, formerly of Laser Precision/Weller Metalworks (Libertyville, Ill.) 

The Power of Industry Award recognizes an individual, family, or family foundation whose philanthropic support demonstrates exceptional generosity and encourages others to take leadership roles in the metals manufacturing industry. 

With over four decades of leadership, Jeff Adams embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. From founding Laser Precision in 1994 and growing it into a premier full-service fabrication operation to his more recent transition with Weller Metalworks, Jeff has always championed the integration of advanced technology. Beyond his professional success, Jeff has been a cornerstone of the FMA and SparkForce, providing significant financial support and expertise to expand our camps and scholarship programs. His legacy is defined not just by the company he built, but by the countless students he has helped inspire. 

Future of Industry Winner: STEAM IInc. (Ocean Springs, Miss.) 

The Future of Industry Award recognizes a school or organization that has created a successful and sustainable summer manufacturing camp program and demonstrates a commitment to introducing young people to the industry and manufacturing career options. 

We are proud to honor Scott Beebe and STEAM IInc. for their unwavering commitment to hands-on technology education. Through robotics, coding, 3D printing, and digital fabrication, Scott helps students turn classroom concepts into real-world projects. From his influential work developing Mississippi’s first state-of-the-art FABLAB to his ongoing partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, Scott is making technology approachable and engaging for young people across the Gulf Coast, helping them discover the direct connection between STEM education and rewarding manufacturing careers. 

Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees, including Heidtman Steel, Valley Iron, Illinois Valley Community College, Ozarks Technical Community College, Pat Crowley of Crowley Capital Management, and Scott Myran from Mississippi Welders Supply Co Inc. 

Supporting the Pursuit of Manufacturing Careers 

This year’s event raised tremendous amount of money for SparkForce programs, including scholarships and Summer Manufacturing Camp grants that help students gain exposure to modern manufacturing and pursue education and training for careers in the field. Thank you to our generous donors and sponsors for ensuring that young people have opportunities to explore manufacturing, build confidence, and imagine a future in an industry that needs their ideas and talents.