The American Mold Builders Association
awarded the West Michigan chapter its 2010 Chapter of the Year
Award. The award was presented to the chapter at the AMBA Annual
Convention in Orlando, Florida, on March 24.
The West Michigan chapter has an extremely active membership base
that promotes education and apprenticeships, with the help of its
many supportive vendors. One of its member companies, Commercial
Tool & Die, began an in-house training and apprenticeship program
that led to the hiring of a full-time instructor. From this, Expert
Technical Training LLC evolved, led by Ryan Pohl, who now works with
local high school instructors, vocational centers and colleges to
help develop a curriculum that can be used at those levels, along
with training new hires in the industry.
When the chapter found out that the Gerald R. Ford Council of Boy
Scouts was having difficulty getting a sponsor for one of their
events, the West Michigan chapter stepped up and provided a $2500
check to underwrite their Silver Recognition Awards. This awards
program honors volunteers who provide exceptional service to the
youth in the area. “Since today’s youth are our future, our chapter
members responded favorably to take this opportunity give back to
our local community,” said Jill Finley, West Michigan chapter
coordinator, and who works at Mold Surface Technologies Inc.
In September 2009, the first-ever chapter golf outing was held, and
in spite of the economic difficulties experienced by many Michigan
companies, 88 golfers attended the event which ultimately raised
$6000 for the Chapter’s scholarship fund. The Scholarship Fund helps
children of AMBA member company employees. In 2009, the chapter
awarded three scholarships totaling $4000. One particular youth was
awarded three scholarships over four years based on merit alone.
“The ultimate thank you came when we found out this youth will now
be entering the trade, in order to give back to an industry that
helped him,” said Finley.
The West Michigan Chapter was presented a check for $5,000 from
Progressive Components to be used for an industry-related program of
their choice. The chapter is discussing how to best use the $5,000
scholarship fund.
The West Michigan chapter is active in government, and meets
regularly with state and local representatives. The chapter was
instrumental is closing some loopholes in the Michigan Mold Lien Law
to make it more effective. Last February, a rally was held on the
Capitol steps in Lansing, with a number of chapter members in
attendance. The chapter follows the voting records of its
representatives and sends this information to its members to make
each one fully aware of how they are being represented on the issues
that directly affect the industry.
Kent Hanson (H.S. Die & Engineering, Grand
Rapids), Chapter President, also sits on the board of directors and
serves as Treasurer of the national AMBA. The West Michigan
Chapter’s Todd Finley of Commercial Tool & Die, also serves on the
Board of Directors of the national AMBA.