On February 21st the fastener industry was addressed by industry personnel Mike O’Connor-President of Innovative Components and Danielle Bennett (Assistant Sales Manager) and Kevin Tucker (Marketing Sales Manager) of Scanwell Logistics.

Many 2008 dues checks came in with scholarship donations. Donations can be sent to the MWFA office at any time, just be sure to indicate “scholarship donation” on your check. We hope to exceed last year’s scholarship awards with the support our members’ donations and events.

Thank you to those who have contributed so far for 2008:

At the November 1st meeting, the Mid-West Fastener Association, for the 24th year, awarded their annual scholarships. This program began as an experiment and grew into a very successful program awarding nearly $400,000.00 over the years. Scott Mackay, Chicago 94.7 radio personality, was the featured guest speaker at this year's event. Scott told great stories of his
experiences in radio but most importantly expressed to attending students to follow their dreams. Scott knew he wanted to be a radio personality since the age of four but had to experience the trials and tribulations of the industry before achieving his goal in a big
city.

For several years, XL Screw has funded a scholarship in memory of one of their employees; Gail Petris. This tradition continues as we remember Gail. Gail was very active in the MWFA as well as serving on the Board of directors, the fastener industry and a valued
employee by XL. She is fondly missed but even more fondly remembered each year as a special student receives the award in Gail's memory. We were fortunate enough to have Gail's parents, Shirley and Don Caplan, and husband-Bob Petris join us to award the scholarship to this year's recipient. The association is very appreciative of XL's generous donation.

We also thank Federal Screw and ND Industries for funding a scholarship this year.

The following students were selected to receive this year's scholarships:

President: Bob O’Brien/Certified Products
Vice President: Wayne Wishnew/XL Screw Corp.
Treasurer: Thomas Anderson/Action Threaded Products
Secretary: Paul Evitts/KDS Imports

Directors: Henry Chernow/MAE Specialties
Joanne Culverwell/Star Stainless Screw
Matt Delawder/SWD Inc.
David Gawlik/Stelfast Inc.
Becky Moujouros/American Fasteners and Components

Alternates: Glen Brin/Innovative Components
Sandy Maser/Assembly Component Systems
Rich Pease/Federal Screw Products

Executive Director: Nancy Rich