The Gilchrist Foundation has awarded three scholarships from the 2025 applicants. Congratulations to the recipients. We wish them well and are pleased to assist them with their education.
They are as follows and their sponsoring companies;
Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will host Fastener Platings, Coatings and Corrosion, a full-day workshop during International Fastener Expo (IFE). The training is Monday, September 15, at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Carmen Vertullo, FTI instructor, and owner and founder of Carver Labs, will lead the workshop. Attendees who invest in this professional development will gain extensive knowledge about corrosion in fasteners.
The National Fastener Distributors Association (NFDA) recently awarded a scholarship for Fastener Training Week, an advanced fastener technical training program produced by the Fastener Training Institute, to Michelle Yu, Supply Chain Analyst for AIS.
Scholarship applicants were evaluated based on recommendations from their employers, personal achievements, work experience, and an essay. Identifying information was redacted so that the team evaluating the applications did not know the names or employers of those applying.
Signature Engineered Solutions, a provider of engineered fasteners for manufacturing and industrial applications, today announced its selection as a North American distributor for Unbrako, a global manufacturer of high-strength industrial fasteners.
“The addition of Unbrako products to our broad line of fasteners will enable us to serve more customers in more markets across North America," said Michael Delfin, chief commercial officer at Signature. “This agreement reflects our growth strategy of leveraging our strong supply chain network and customer base to acquire more in-demand product lines.”
Ed Smith of Wurth Industry USA has been elected as the 2025-2026 president of the National Fastener Distributors Association. Melissa Patel of Field will serve as vice president, Christian Reich of Goebel Fasteners will continue as associate chair, and Scott McDaniel of Martin Fastening Solutions will remain on the Board as immediate past president.
Lisa Breton of DB Roberts, Scott Camp of Atlas Distribution Services, and Jennifer Sturm of Empire Bolt & Screw have been elected to serve on the Board of Directors effective June 11, 2025.
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Fastener Training Institute (FTI) heads to Chicago, IL to host its next Fastener Training Week from August 25-29 as part of Mid-West Fastener Association’s FSTNR Week.
“We love being in Chicago. It’s a great opportunity for industry professionals to complete Fastener Training Week while having the chance to engage with the MWFA,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for FTI.
The National Fastener Distributors Association (NFDA) is honored to announce that the 2025 recipient of its Fastener Professional of the Year award is Mark Shannon.
In his nomination of Mark, Nick Ruetz stated, “Mark has been an incredible mentor to so many in our industry. He's always carried himself with the highest degree of character and is always willing to help. He has been a connector of people even when it meant no benefit to himself or his company, but rather because it was the right thing to do.”
NFDA Members are invited to join NAW’s Government Relations team and industry experts on Tuesday, April 8th from 3:00-4:00 PM ET for an update and in-depth look at the Trump Administration’s latest tariff policies and their potential impact on the wholesale distribution industry.
This webinar will provide key insights into regulatory changes, cost implications, and strategic approaches to mitigate risks and optimize supply chains. Members will also have an opportunity to engage and ask questions to help navigate the dynamic tariff landscape in 2025 and beyond.
Become a Certified Fastener Specialist™ (CFS) with Fastener Training Institute’s series of one-day classes and plant tours. Students who pursue a CFS with these individual classes have the flexibility to spread training out over time. After completion, students are eligible to test for CFS designation.
“It’s a great solution for those who are unable to take an entire week off for Fastener Training Week,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for Fastener Training Institute. “CFS classes can be taken in any order and at any time.”
The Driven by DCKAP podcast recently welcomed Jim Derry, CEO of Field Fastener, for a discussion on the company’s impressive growth, strategic leadership, and commitment to community impact. Hosted by Karthik Chidambaram, the episode delves into how Field Fastener has evolved from a small business with $800,000 in revenue to a nearly $200 million enterprise, growing at a steady 20% per year.
Watch the full episode, or watch the clip where Jim discusses his involvement with NFDA.
The Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will present Fastening 101 ahead of Fastener Fair USA in Nashville on Tuesday, May 27. Come for the class and stay for the show – or come to the show and take the class.
“Our Fastening 101 class has really evolved. The content is extensive and offers much more than the basics,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for FTI. “It’s the perfect way to kick-off the show.”
Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will host its next Fastener Training Week, April 7-11, in Cleveland, OH. Fastener Training Week, sponsored by Birmingham Fastener, is FTI’s flagship training program that earns students Certified Fastener Specialist™ (CFS) designation after completion and passing a final exam.
“We look forward to welcoming our next class of Fastener Training Week students! Completing the class and becoming a Certified Fastener Specialist™ is a significant accomplishment,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for FTI. “We are proud to make our industry safer and more reliable through advanced training.”
Fastener Training Institute (FTI) is pleased to announce Würth Industry USA (WIUSA) will continue as its sustaining sponsor once again in 2025.
The union highlights the significance of training. “Since 2019, Würth has been by our side prioritizing the importance of fastener education for all levels in our industry,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for FTI. “We are humbled by Würth’s ongoing commitment and truly value our partnership.”
Hristijan Georgievski of IFE Americas has been elected as the 2025 president of the Young Fastener Professionals. Zech Williams of Wurth Industry USA will serve as vice president, and Craig Beaty of Beawest Fasteners will remain on the Board as immediate past president.
Continuing on the YFP Board are Jake Glaser of Sherex Fastening Solutions, Mallory Nichols of Advance Components, and Nihar Sinha of AmeriSteel Fastener.
GTSE is proud to announce the official launch of www.ephadistribution.com, a dynamic new platform dedicated to streamlining access to the innovative EPHA Hose Protectors, Looms, Spacers and Safety Sheaths. The EPHA product line is dedicated to preventing hose and cable wear, routing and management solutions.
This launch marks the beginning of an exciting partnership between GTSE and Mitch Myers, the President/CEO and co-founder of EPHA Inc. EPHA the “ORIGINAL HOSE PROTECTOR” has been a trailblazer in delivering high-quality hose and cable protection products for industrial and commercial applications for over 42 years. Through this collaboration, GTSE aims to enhance product availability, ensuring that customers across the globe can efficiently secure and protect their equipment with trusted EPHA solutions.
Milan is preparing to host the fourth edition of Fastener Fair Italy, the leading event for the fasteners and fixing industry, scheduled between October 29 and 30, 2024, at CityLife - Allianz MiCo, in Milan, Italy. With just one month to go, over 200 exhibitors from 18 countries have already confirmed their participation, with strong representation from companies in Italy, Germany, Turkey, China, and Taiwan, highlighting the strategic importance of the event and the high level of activity in the sector in Italy.
The fair is an unmissable event for manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and end users of fastening systems and related technologies, as well as a unique opportunity to strengthen business relationships, discover the latest innovations and market trends, and forge new collaborations. In a rapidly evolving economic environment, the fair stands out as the ideal platform for exploring advanced technological solutions and addressing the new challenges related to sustainability and production digitalisation.
Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will host its final Fastener Training Week of 2024 in Cleveland, OH, November 18-22. This five-day advanced fastener training program will be held at Industrial Fasteners Institute and is presented by Birmingham Fastener.
FTI offers three Fastener Training Weeks each year. Graduates are eligible for Certified Fastener Specialist™ (CFS) designation upon class completion and passing a final exam.
