METALfab 2007
METALfab 2007: the week in review Against the backdrop of
the Gulf Coast’s white sands and blue-green waters, METALfab 2007 was a week packed with educational opportunities, recognition of achievements, networking, and, of course, fun. The National Ornamental and
Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA) held its 49th annual trade show and convention at the beautiful and luxurious Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, February 28-March 3, 2007. In keeping with its theme, “Adding Value to Your Business,” convention attendees were treated to several days’ worth of excellent and informative educational sessions, discussions and presentations, a shop tour complete with demonstrations and more. METALfab kicked off on Wednesday with registration, the Welcome Reception, and the opening of the Supplier Showcase. This year’s Showcase — although on a smaller
For your information METALfab: NOMMA’s annual convention and trade show. Attendees: METALfab is open to members of NOMMA as well as nonmembers. Read Fabricator and visit NOMMA’s web site for event and registration details on METALfab 2008. Ph: (770) 288-2004; Web: www.nomma.org
Exhibitors: TTo exhibit at the 2008 METALfab trade show, contact Martha Pennington via Email: martha@nomma.org, or log on to www.nomma.org
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scale — was highly successful, as attendees packed the exhibit hall to view the tabletop exhibitor displays. The next day began with the First Time Attendee Orientation, followed by the first of the week’s nonstop educational sessions. NOMMA’s annual business meeting and recognition luncheon were held mid-day, after which keynote speaker Glenn Shepard addressed the membership with an outstanding presentation, “Customer Service and How to Keep Difficult Customers Without Giving Too Much.” The Supplier Showcase was, again, open that evening, with a reception. The following evening, everyone was treated to a fabulous luau theme dinner, “Fabricators in Paradise.” Special events included the NEF silent auction and regular auction, presided over by auctioneers Carl Grainger and Roger Carlsen. The auctions raised $19,802 for NOMMA’s educational foundation. Entertainment was provided by the famous Landsharks, who were joined onstage by a few of NOMMA’s musically talented members for a couple of numbers. On Saturday, three tour buses carrying NOMMA members and staff departed Sandestin for a shop tour of Eagle Bending/Carrell Corp. in nearby Stapleton, AL. Owner David Donnell gave attendees the grand tour and treated them to a delicious boxed lunch. Afterwards, there were live
demonstrations on working with stainless steel, aluminum forging and white metal casting. The buses arrived back at the resort just in time for members to ready themselves for the Annual Awards Banquet, during which new officers and directors were installed, oustanding NOMMA members were recognized, and the Ernest Wiemann Top Job Awards winners were announced, including the winner of the Mitch Heitler Award for Excellence, which is selected from the gold level award winners. The grand finale of the evening was a visit from none other than the King, himself. “Elvis,” accompanied by two lovely backup singers, serenaded the banquet hall, ending with a reminder that he’d see us all in Memphis for Elvis (a.k.a. Joe Romeo) METALfab was in the building at 2008! METALfab 2007. Fabricator
May/June 2007