Special Feature
Lawler Foundry Corp. Makes A Major Commitment To NEF A generous gift helps to move the fledgling NOMMA Education Foundation to the next higher level. By Todd Daniel, Editor Barely a year old, the fledgling NOMMA Education Foundation (NEF) received a monumental boost in December with the announcement that Lawler Foundry Corp. has committed $100,000 to the foundation, which will be given over a four-year period. The major donation from one of NOMMA’s oldest supplier members will propel NEF to a higher level and allow it to provide more programs and services to the industry. “It’s rather overwhelming that Lawler Foundry would do such a thing, but then again it’s not surprising given the level of support they have given the industry over these years,” said Lloyd Hughes, the NEF’s chair. “A ‘thank you’ is certainly not a sufficient way to acknowledge this gift.” Barbara Cook, NOMMA’s executive director, had equally strong praise for the announcement, stating, “I want to thank Lawler Foundry Corp. for committing the resources to help make a difference. This company and individuals within the company have supported NOMMA in every way possible over many decades. As NOMMA gets ready to celebrate 45 years in business, we are excited
Lawler Foundry Corp. started from humble beginnings during the Great Depression.
16
to see this support also extending to the foundation.” A History of Giving Throughout NOMMA’s history, Lawler Foundry has been a consistent and dedicated supporter of the association. Since joining in 1960, the company has enthusiastically sponsored convention and trade show events, participated in membership drives, passed out Fabricator magazines to customers, supported chapters, and helped in countless other ways. The Lawler staff also has a long history of volunteer work with NOMMA. In earlier years, CEO Stan Lawler served as a supplier director and participated in the Publicity and Membership committees. For his outstanding service, he received the Julius Blum Award in 1979. Other past contributors included the late Phyllis Beavers, who tirelessly recruited members, and Phyllis McCombs, a past director. More recently, Operations Manager Bob Paxton has remained a dedicated volunteer who has served on the Membership and Technical Committees and is currently a NOMMA director and NEF trustee. Dedicated To Education All funds from the Lawler gift will go toward NEF education programs. Since its founding on October 20, 2001, the NEF has already produced an impressive series of education videos and created a Top Job CD-ROM. In addition, the foundation presented the education program for METALfab 2002, and also has an outstanding program planned for this year’s
l to r: NEF program director Martha Pennington, Lawler CEO Stan Lawler, and Barbara Cook, NOMMA/NEF executive director.
Support the NOMMA Education Foundation Your tax-deductible gift can be sent to: NEF, 532 Forest Pkwy., Suite A, Forest Park, GA 30297. You can also give on-line at www.nomma. org/nef. Donated items are also needed for the 2003 NEF Silent Auction. For more information, call Liz at (404) 3634009, ext. 20.
Fabricator n January–February 2003