I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your training at the Holiday Inn on 3/13/08. I want you to know that things have come up since the training that I have been able to identify that I would never have been able to had I not taken the Class C Products class. It was very informative! I look forward to additional classes with the MWFA-of the two I have taken I have been extremely pleased.

Thank you,
Mary Beth Hensley
Field Fastener

On June 16th the MWFA hosted their 27th Annual Fastener Show at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, IL. By design the show only allowed 90 table top exhibitors. The purpose for this was multifold; with the condition of the economy the MWFA did not want to provide an uneconomical show by incurring unnecessary costs and the intent for visitors to have the opportunity to visit with all exhibitors. The show attracted exhibitors from across the country with a large variety of products and services for the fastener industry.

MWFA 56th Annual Golf Outing

One couldn’t have asked for a better day in Wheeling, IL on June 17th! What was designed to be a 144 person noon shotgun start outing, at Chevy Chase Country Club, ended up being a 7:00 a.m. and noon start. As registration numbers continued to climb the Golf Committee needed to quickly make some adjustments. Luckily the course was able to accommodate a 7:00 a.m. start. Ten groups moved to the early start allowing the other 148 golfers to start at noon. The day started at 6:00 with golfers arriving to enjoy the serenity of the morning. By 11:00 the day was in full swing (no pun intended) with registrations, putting contest, lunch, the morning golfers scrambling (yes, it was a scramble) to finish and join the putting contest-sponsored by All American Systems and lunch-sponsored by Fall River Manufacturing and Star Stainless Screw Co. By noon, the next group of golfers was off to pursue the many prize opportunities on the course. All carts were equipped with shoe bags provided by Heads & Threads Int’l.

The MWFA annual Rockford meeting was held on May 29th featuring Congressman Don Manzullo who has been active in the fastener industry for many years. He spoke of his concerns for industry in the U.S. and his efforts to strengthen manufacturing in Northern Illinois. Congressman Manzullo began his efforts over two decades ago when he was involved in the rewrite of the Fastener Quality Act, creating a workable law. He continues to put forth efforts in preserving small manufacturers and American jobs. He also co-chairs the House Manufacturing Caucus which he founded in 2003.