CELEBRATING 80 YEARS COMMITMENT TO THE FASTENER INDUSTRY FALL 2026
CELEBRATING 80 YEARS TOGETHER A LOOK BACK AT THE WEEK THAT MARKED THE MWFA’S 80th ANNIVERSARY It is difficult to put into words what FSTNR Week means to the MWFA. Membership in this association is meaningful in its own right, but FSTNR Week is something more. It is a week of giving back to our community, learning from one another, reconnecting with longtime colleagues, and welcoming new faces into an industry that has always felt like family. Each year the week carries a unique energy, and this year exceeded every expectation. This year held special significance as the MWFA celebrated 80 years of bringing the fastener industry together. For more than
to an anniversary gala on the lakefront, FSTNR Week brought together volunteers, golfers, educators, exhibitors, and friends from across the country.
a year, our board worked tirelessly to plan a week that would
This week was not the work of a few; it was the work of
honor that legacy while setting a new standard for the future. We
many. Our members, volunteers, and sponsors are the reason
set out to do something different, and we are proud of the result.
FSTNR Week is what it is, and none of it would be possible without
Over the course of the week, from a charity to an obstacle course
you. Thank you, sincerely, from all of us. »»
T U R N T O PA G E 3 F O R M O R E F S T N R W E E K R O U N D U P, P L U S A T H A N K Y O U T O O U R G E N E R O U S S P O N S O R S
NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT dedication, and countless
Our scholarship program remains one of the
hours of planning played an
accomplishments I am most proud of, as we
important role in making this
continue to invest in the next generation and
milestone celebration such a
give back to the families within our industry.
tremendous success. So much
As we approach the end of this historic
of what happens behind the
anniversary year, I want to thank each
scenes often goes unnoticed,
of you for your continued membership,
and I am truly grateful to
participation, and commitment to MWFA.
Jill Lewis
everyone who helped bring this celebration
Our association has thrived for 80 years
to life. Thank you as well to our generous
because of the people who believe in its
INTEGRATED PACKAGING & FASTENER
sponsors, volunteers, and members who
mission, and I am excited to see what we
continue to support everything we do.
accomplish together in the years ahead.
2026 MWFA PRESIDENT
Happy Fall MWFA Members!! As we head into the final months of 2026, I can’t help but reflect on what an incredible year this has been for the MidWest Fastener Association. Celebrating our
As we move into the fall season, we have
Wishing you and your families a
even more to look forward to, including our
wonderful fall season and a happy, healthy
upcoming Scholarship Dinner in November
holiday season!
and our annual Holiday Party in December.
80th Anniversary has been such a special milestone, and I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished together. FSTNR Week was truly one for the books! From our community service projects and educational seminars to the Fastener Show and our unforgettable 80th Anniversary Gala, it was a wonderful celebration of our industry and the relationships that make this association so special.
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Directors
I want to extend a heartfelt thankyou to our Executive Director, Francesca Lewis, and our entire Board of Directors. The amount of time, dedication, and hard work that went into planning our 80th
Alternates
Anniversary celebration was remarkable. I would also like to give special recognition to Matt Delawder, who chaired our 80th Anniversary Committee. Matt’s leadership,
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Executive Director
Jill Lewis - Integrated Packaging & Fastener Bobby Wegner - Beacon Fasteners and Components George Hunt III - Brighton-Best International Sam Lang - Certified Fastener Jake Davis - BTM Manufacturing Glen Brin - DarLoc Corporation Cory Wing - Wing-Hamlin Co. Inc. Matt Delawder - SWD Inc. Ignacy Paprocki - Blue Ribbon Fastener Jeff Kempka - GF&D Systems Steve Payne - Parker Fasteners Michael Naidenovich - AFI Industries Francesca Lewis
CELEBRATING FSTNR WEEK continued
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 — THE RUGGED NUTS SET THE TONE
in 2012, Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a
names in Chicago-area golf. Opened in 1927,
volunteer-driven nonprofit with chapters
the club is home to four courses, including
across the country, guided by a simple
Dubsdread, longtime host of the PGA Tour’s
mission: no kid sleeps on the floor in our
Western Open and BMW Championship.
town. Volunteers build sturdy wooden bed
This year’s field played Course #1, the club’s
frames by hand, and each bed is delivered
original 1927 layout, and Course #3, added in
to a local child along with a new mattress,
1963.
pillows, and bedding.
Despite some light rain, spirits remained
FSTNR Week began unofficially on
This year’s build was hosted by SWD
high throughout the day, aided by a popular
Saturday, when a team of industry colleagues
Inc. at its 165,000-square-foot finishing
Bloody Mary bar. Golfers gathered after the
known as the ‘Rugged Nuts’ took on the
and sorting facility in Addison. More than
round to recognize this year’s winners. Most
Tough Mudder 5K. More than 25 participants
100 volunteers came together to construct
importantly, the outing raised more than
joined this year’s team, continuing a tradition
over 120 beds, and the MWFA raised more
that has become a favorite way to open the
$6,000 for the Sebastian Janas Scholarship,
than $35,000, the highest total in the
week.
supporting the next generation of our
event’s history. A brief rain delay did little to
industry.
The event is a fitting start. Tough
slow the group’s progress
Mudder is designed around teamwork, with
We extend our thanks to SWD, BTM,
obstacles that participants complete by
and Brighton-Best for providing lunch, and
supporting one another, and that same spirit
outing winners:
to Integrated Packaging for the ice cream
of collaboration carries through every day of
First Place: Jack Dobek, Eric Mason, Todd
truck that greeted volunteers at the end of
FSTNR Week. Congratulations to all of this
McRoberts & Tim Quick
the day. Each of those 120 beds represents a
year’s participants.
Second Place: Morgan Wilson, Bryan
child who now has a safe, comfortable place
Wheeler, Anthony Gallo & Rob Reynolds
to sleep. We are deeply grateful to be part of
Longest Drive (Men): Jonathan Bujarski,
such a generous community.
Metal Resource Solutions
Congratulations to this year’s golf
Longest Drive (Women): Alix Lund, Schnorr Straightest Drive (Men): Mike Robinson Straightest Drive (Women): Tracey Luma,
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 — BUILDING BEDS WITH SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE
Distributors Link Closest to the Pin (Men): Max Blackburn
FSTNR Week officially opened with
MONDAY, AUGUST 31 — 73rd ANNUAL MWFA GOLF OUTING
our fifth annual bed build in partnership
A record 230 golfers gathered at Cog Hill
with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and it was
Golf & Country Club for the 73rd MWFA Golf
our most successful year to date. Founded
Outing. Cog Hill is one of the most respected
Closest to the Pin (Women): Jill Lewis Longest Putt (Men): Mike Crouch, ND Industries Longest Putt (Women): Kim Leith, LSG »» continued on page 4
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CELEBRATING FSTNR WEEK continued TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 — EDUCATION DAY AT NAVY PIER
including compliance strategies for the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
On Tuesday, FSTNR Week moved to
(CBAM) and for PFAS, the “forever chemicals”
Navy Pier, which opened in 1916 and
facing increasing restrictions. Both are
extends more than half a mile into Lake
changing how fasteners are sourced,
Michigan. The pier served as home base for
documented, and coated.
the remainder of the week. Our educational
Thomas Walstrum, principal business
seminar day welcomed more than 100
economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of
attendees for a full day of learning,
Chicago and a contributor to the Federal
networking, and industry insight, with four
Reserve’s Beige Book, closed the program
sessions spanning leadership, technology,
with an overview of current economic
regulation, and the economy.
conditions and their implications for the
The day opened with breakfast and
fastener industry.
a workshop led by Kristin Lindeen of QBQ,
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 — THE 44th ANNUAL FASTENER SHOW The 44th annual Fastener Show welcomed more than 110 exhibitors to Navy Pier, along with record attendance from industry professionals across the country. The show remains the centerpiece of FSTNR Week, bringing manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers together face to face.
Inc. Kristin introduced participants to the
Throughout the day, longtime partners
QBQ! method, a practical framework for
reconnected and new business relationships
replacing blame and excuses with personal
took shape. We thank every exhibitor and
accountability, stronger communication,
attendee for making this year’s show one of
and a solutions-focused mindset. The morning session was sponsored by IFI. At lunch, Cohen Barnes, President of
TUESDAY EVENING — WELCOME MIXER ABOARD THE SPIRIT OF CHICAGO
Sundog, drew on 30 years of experience
Following a day when temperatures
serving Northern Illinois manufacturers
approached 100 degrees, guests enjoyed a
to demonstrate how companies can begin using AI today to improve decision-making, streamline operations, and strengthen their competitive position. The Lunch & Learn
the most successful in its history.
beautiful evening on Lake Michigan. Nearly 400 attendees boarded the Spirit of Chicago at Navy Pier for a lakefront cruise with views of the Chicago skyline.
80th ANNIVERSARY & HALL OF FAME CELEBRATION
The evening featured dinner, games on
The week concluded with the event that
the deck, and dancing. For many attendees,
a full year of planning had been building
In the afternoon, Darlene Collis, Vice
it was the first opportunity of the week to
toward: the MWFA’s 80th Anniversary and
President of Technical Services at Supply
reconnect with colleagues from across the
Hall of Fame Celebration. In true MWFA
Technologies, reviewed the latest regulatory
country, and it set a welcoming tone for the
fashion, the evening carried a theme: the
developments affecting the industry,
show the following day.
Roaring ’20s. »»»
was sponsored by Boltwise and Intuitive.
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CELEBRATING FSTNR WEEK continued moments of the week. Sebastian’s legacy
concluded with the Navy Pier fireworks over
continues through the scholarship that bears
Lake Michigan, a fitting finale to a milestone
his name, the same scholarship our golfers
week.
supported earlier in the week, and we were honored to recognize all he contributed to this industry.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEXT 80 YEARS
Guests were welcomed into the ballroom
We then celebrated this year’s Hall of Fame
FSTNR Week 2026 was truly exceptional.
by the Loyola University Jazz Band, and
class, a distinguished group of individuals and
It was a week of service, learning, business,
the cocktail hour featured appetizers and a
companies whose contributions have made
and celebration, and a powerful reminder of
signature Old Fashioned in keeping with the
a lasting difference to our association. Their
why this association has endured for 80 years:
theme.
dedication is a significant part of why the
the people who make up this industry.
The program opened with the
MWFA has thrived for 80 years. Full profiles
To everyone who attended, volunteered,
presentation of the MWFA’s inaugural Industry
of each inductee appear in the Hall of Fame
sponsored, exhibited, or supported us along
Impact Award, honoring the late Sebastian
feature in this issue.
the way, thank you for making this milestone
Janas. Moving tributes from his wife and
The evening continued with live music
friends made it one of the most memorable
from the cover band Mike and Joe and
year one we will always remember. We look forward to seeing you at FSTNR Week 2027.
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FSTNR WEEK ‘26 : TOUGH MUDDER
FSTNR WEEK ‘26 : SHP BED BUILD
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FSTNR WEEK ‘26 : GOLF OUTING
FSTNR WEEK ‘26 : WELCOME MIXER
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HALL OF FAME: CLASS OF 2026
plus our company inductees... The Mid-West Fastener Association is proud to celebrate the 2026 Hall of Fame class. Ten individuals and companies whose careers and contributions have shaped this industry and this association for the better. The MWFA Hall of Fame recognizes those who have gone beyond the ordinary, giving their time, expertise and passion in service of
David Gawlik David Gawlik’s career in the fastener industry spans 37 years, beginning in 1989 in inside sales at Willie Washer. He went on to hold positions at Brico Industries and Porteous Fastener Company before joining Stelfast Inc., where he opened the company’s Chicago
and He returned to Stelfast as Branch Manager in 2021.
Education - The MWFA approached David while he was at Porteous and asked him to teach a segment of the association’s introductory fastener course. He accepted, and before long had taken full ownership of the class. He developed the curriculum,
branch from the ground up, sourcing the
assembled the sample bag that accompanied
year’s class is no exception. From decades of
facility, hiring staff, establishing inventory,
each session, and coined the course’s new
board service and educational leadership to
and developing a ten-state territory. He later
name, “Fascination with Fasteners,” which
business innovation and steadfast advocacy,
built his Midwest book of business at Autocraft
is still in use today. What began as a class of
each inductee has left a mark on the fastener
from zero to over $5 million annually, with no
15 grew under his leadership to 40 or more
community that will be felt for years to come.
existing accounts provided to him.
attendees. »»»
something larger than their own success. This
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HALL OF FAME: CLASS OF 2026 continued David Gawlik cont. David was largely responsible for creating
Robert R. Baer CEO/President, Abbott Interfast Robert Baer joined
next generation of fastener professionals, and has served on the Fastener Fair advisory board. In recognition of his contributions, Robert was
two additional courses
Abbott
Interfast
as
previously inducted into the International
that are now cornerstones
Controller
in
1992,
Fastener Hall of Fame at the International
of the curriculum: Print
and was promoted to
Reading and Essentials
President/ CEO in 2017, a
of Heat Treating and Plating. He also recruited
role he still holds today..
Fastener Expo.
Becky Russo-Botti
many of the speakers, instructors, and
At Abbott, he has built and strengthened
companies that provide facility tours, and
global supply chains, managed high-volume
Becky Russo-Botti’s
co-authored the MWFA’s Fastener Technical
fastener programs, and developed long-term
career in the fastener
Guide. He took the program on the road to
strategic supplier partnerships across North
industry began in 1983
America and Asia. His expertise navigating
at
tariffs, trade regulations, and complex
She went on to hold positions at MNP
international sourcing environments has
International, Rumco, and American Fasteners
made him an invaluable resource throughout
and Components before joining Sems and
the industry.
Specials in 2015, where she remains today.
Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana, setting attendance records along the way. Years after leading the introductory course, David has called on customers who were former students and found that they still have their certificates and sample bags. That kind of lasting impression speaks to the value and care he brought to every class.
Board Service - David served on the MWFA Board of Directors for approximately 20 years, holding the offices of President, Vice President, and Secretary. As President, he expanded the association’s outreach into Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and other surrounding areas, hosting dinner and education meetings in new cities and growing membership in the process.
MWFA Service - Robert’s service to the Mid-West Fastener Association spans more than 20 years of volunteer leadership. He served two years as President and for more than 15 years as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. His disciplined approach to financial oversight helped build the reserves and planning frameworks that continue to support MWFA operations today. He has also actively contributed to numerous MWFA committees over the years.
Sems and Specials
Globe
Fasteners.
Becky served on the MWFA Board of Directors for eight years. Her passion for education was a constant throughout her tenure. She served on the Education Committee and taught at numerous MWFA educational seminars, sharing her knowledge and elevating the skills of industry professionals. She advanced from the Education Committee to Vice President and ultimately became the MWFA’s second female President, a meaningful milestone for the association.
Though he is no longer on the Board,
Industry Leadership - Robert
David remains a committed advocate for the
has served as a Board Member of the
Even after completing her board service,
MWFA. He accepted his 2026 Hall of Fame
Fastener Industry Coalition (FIC) since 2014,
Becky has continued to volunteer at industry
induction with characteristic humility: “I
contributing to trade policy advocacy affecting
events, particularly the annual golf outing.
want to sincerely thank the MWFA Board for
the entire fastener supply chain. He is also a
She remains an enthusiastic ambassador
naming me to the Hall of Fame. I am truly
Board Member of the Fastener Training
for the MWFA, encouraging colleagues and
honored.”
Institute (FTI), supporting the education of the
industry partners to get involved. »»»
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HALL OF FAME: CLASS OF 2026 continued Joe L. Davis Jr.
Paula Evitts
Nick Viggiano
Founder and CEO, ISSCO, INC.
President, Avante Imports
Vice President, Supply Chain Management
Joe L. Davis Jr. began
As a Past President
Brighton-Best International, Inc.
his fastener industry career
of
the
Mid-West
Nick Viggiano’s fastener
in 1963 as an employee of
Fastener
Association,
career spans fifty years.
Kansas City Bolt. He went
Paula Evitts brought to
After two decades at
on to outside sales at Bosco
the role an approach
Reynolds
Bolt, Nut and Screw from 1970 to 1974. When
defined by collaboration and a genuine
Manager, he moved to
his salary was cut in half and his commissions
focus on the long-term success of both the
Heads and Threads, then to Porteous Fastener
eliminated, Joe and his wife Margaret founded
organization and its members. Her presidency
Company as Vice President, before joining
ISSCO, INC. on April 1, 1974, from the basement
strengthened member engagement and
Brighton-Best International as Vice President
of their Independence, Missouri home.
helped shape the direction of the MWFA
of Supply Chain Management.
as
Regional
What followed was fifty years of building
during her tenure. Beyond her time as
In 1989, Nick was a key contact and
a company defined by high service, product
President, Paula has served for many years as
participant for the MWFA as it pertained to
availability, and deep relationships with
an active member of the Board of Directors,
the Fastener Quality Act. He was sent four
customers and suppliers alike. Joe credits
contributing to key initiatives, events, and
times as part of the FQA advisory committee,
those three things as the foundation of ISSCO’s
programs that have helped the association
working alongside industry leaders including
enduring success. In January 2013, Joe and
grow.
Bill Hayes, George Wasmer, Charlie Wilson, Jay
his two sons purchased BTM Manufacturing,
Among
Paula’s
most
enduring
Hebert, Keith Bussie, and Nancy Rich, helping
and both BTM and ISSCO remain active MWFA
contributions is her role in reviving the
to draft the legislation that would shape
members today.
MWFA Hall of Fame through her work on
fastener standards for decades to come.
From the beginning, Joe put his employees
the Historical Committee. Her efforts helped
Nick served on the MWFA Board of
first. He ensured that ISSCO provided benefits
ensure that the legacies of industry leaders
Directors from 1989 to 1995, including six
not seen at many companies, and he served as
are recognized and preserved for future
years as Treasurer and dedicated service on
a mentor to many employees over the years.
generations.
the Scholarship Committee. He took the
He was also an early champion of the CBSNA/
On the professional side, Paula has
scholarship review process seriously, believing
MWFA, recognizing the association’s value
grown Avante Imports into a meaningful
deeply in the program’s value to students and
when ISSCO was still a small, growing company.
contributor to the fastener supply chain,
the industry’s future.
His son Jake, who nominated him for this
building the company largely on her own.
He was also a regular volunteer at MWFA
honor, described his father as the hardest-
Paula’s nominator, MWFA President Jill
events, including the golf outings where he
working man he has ever known, a quiet and
Lewis, put it plainly: “I personally have looked
manned the dunk tank to raise money for the
humble person whose long hours in ISSCO’s
up to Paula and her work in the industry, as
scholarship fund. For fifty years, Nick Viggiano
early years laid the groundwork for everything
well as how she showed me there was a place
has been exactly the kind of member that
that followed.
for women in this industry.”
makes an association worth belonging to. »»»
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HALL OF FAME: CLASS OF 2026 continued Rich Cavoto
Metric & Multi Component Corp. Rich Cavoto started part-time with Metric Multi Component Corp. in 1978, joined fulltime after graduating from Illinois State University in May 1980, and has been with the company ever since. That kind of loyalty to one organization over more than four decades is rare, and it reflects something central to who Rich is: once he is committed to something, he shows up fully and for the long haul. The same has been true of his relationship with the Mid-West Fastener Association. Rich has been a longtime board member and leader, and over the years has played a pivotal role in growing the MWFA’s reputation and helping it gain recognition on a national scale. When the MWFA is mentioned anywhere in the industry, his name tends to come up Education and Mentorship - Long before he officially joined the Board, Rich volunteered to teach the Metric portion of the MWFA’s “Fascination with Fasteners” class, returning to do it multiple times. He consistently donated supplies to support hands-on learning and collaborated with the Fastener Training Institute and Jo Morros to bring the Certified Fastener Specialist class to the MWFA. He also served as a mentor to numerous new board members, helping them find their footing with patience and encouragement.
Leadership and Lasting Contributions - Rich served as a two-term MWFA President from 2014 to 2015. He chaired the Golf Committee for more terms than any other board member, bringing energy and fun to
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one of the association’s most beloved events, including securing access to his own private country club for one of the most memorable outings in MWFA history. He helped land an impressive roster of high-profile celebrity speakers for the annual November Scholarship Dinner Meeting and collaborated with NFDA and Pac-West to organize the first-ever joint conference among the three associations. He also made frequent appearances on Fully Threaded Radio, consistently and enthusiastically promoting the MWFA and its events to a national audience. Rich Cavoto’s contributions to this association span education, leadership, member engagement, and plain old showing up when it mattered. He is, as his nominator put it, someone who embodies everything the Hall of Fame stands for.
Company Inductee | Addison, IL SWD, Inc. is a third-generation familyowned company that started in 1980 with just three employees. Today it is a recognized leader in the metal finishing and fastener sorting fields, with over 300 employees running three shifts per day out of a 165,000 sq. ft. facility just west of Chicago in Addison, Illinois. SWD has built its reputation on exceptional production quality, complete customer satisfaction, and a continuing commitment to environmental conservation. That combination of operational excellence and community responsibility has made SWD a trusted partner across the fastener industry for more than four
decades. SWD has been an active and generous member of the MWFA, sponsoring many association events, participating in shows, and opening their facility and sharing their expertise in support of the MWFA’s educational mission. Their involvement reflects exactly the kind of industry citizenship the Hall of Fame is meant to recognize.
Company Inductee | Rockford, IL Since its founding, SEMS and Specials has distinguished itself as a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of specialized fasteners. The company has supported a wide range of industries, from automotive and electronics to heavy equipment and construction, by consistently delivering precision-engineered products and customized solutions. The company has continually invested in advanced manufacturing techniques and process improvements, enabling it to stay ahead of market trends and meet increasingly complex customer requirements. Its reputation is built on responsiveness, technical expertise, and a genuine dedication to helping customers succeed. Beyond its business achievements, SEMS and Specials has played an active role in supporting the broader industry through participation in professional associations, collaboration with peers, and the sharing of knowledge. The MWFA is proud to welcome SEMS and Specials into the Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
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THANK YOU TO OUR FSTNR WEEK SPONSORS DIAMOND SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
» Brighton-Best International » Lindfast Solutions Group » SWD Inc.
» Avante Imports » Integrated Packaging » Kanebridge Corporation
GOLD SPONSORS » Abbott Metal Werks » Angor-Intools » Atlas Distribution Services » Beacon Fasteners & Components » Brikksen Stainless » BTM Manufacturing
» Buckeye Fasteners » FPM Heat Treating » Hanger Bolt & Stud Co. » Industrial Fasteners Institute » Ironclad Performance Wear » J&M Plating
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
» Bay Standard Manufacturing Inc » Fascomp Electronic Hardware » Ken Forging
» 10X ERP » Advance Components » American Ring & Tool » Cable Ties Unlimited » Crescent Manufacturing » GF&D Systems
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» Metal Resource Solutions » ND Industries » Parker Fasteners Group » SW Anderson Company » Sems and Specials » XL Screw Corporation
» Goebel Fasteners » Intuilize, Inc. » Nord-Lock » Nylok Fasteners Corporation » Prestige Stamping » Screws Industries
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SCHOLARSHIP DONORS The MWFA Scholarship Program has been phenomenally successful due to our many generous members and supporters in the fastener industry. Several companies have committed to a named scholarship. A donation of $1,000 or more is automatically set up as a company named scholarship. Those indicated in bold below had named scholarships awarded in last year. Anyone wishing to donate to this year’s scholarship fund may do so at any time by sending in a check marked scholarship fund or going online and donating. » Abbott-Interfast » AFI Industries Inc. » All American Systems » Avante Imports Inc. » Big Bolt Corporation » Blue Ribbon Fastener
» Brighton-Best International » Brikksen Stainless » Brynolf Manufacturing » BTM Manufacturing » Buckeye Fasteners Company » Certified Fastener & Industrial Supply » Chicago Hardware & Fixture Company » Clarcorp Industrial Sales Inc. » Component Technologies International » Crescent Manufacturing » Darling Bolt Company » Darloc Corporation » Engineered Components Company » Eurolink Fastener Supply Service » Fall River Manufacturing » Fastron Company » Hanger Bolt & Stud Company » INxSQL Software » Integrated Packaging » ISSCO Inc.
» Kanebridge Corporation » Ken Forging » Komar Screw Corporation » Lindfast Solutions Group » Metal Resource Solutions » Metric & Multistandard » National Bolt & Nut » Parker Fasteners » Prospect Fastener Corp » Gilchrist Foundation » Sems and Specials Inc. » South Holland Metal Finishing » SWD Inc. » Tru-Pack » Wafios » Wing-Hamlin Company » Wurth » XL Screw Corporation » ZMG Fasteners Plus * Bold indicates a company or personal sponsorship
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STILL AT THE TABLE: THE MWFA CLOSES OUT ITS 80th YEAR A LOOK BACK AT EIGHT DECADES OF THE MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION, AND THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT IT Some of the most lasting things begin without a plan. In 1946, with the war newly over, Howard Langdon, Manny Slutzky, Ly Nathan, and Al Granat met for a round of golf outside Chicago. Afterward they settled into the clubhouse for cards, cigars, and a drink. By the time the last hand was played, the four had the beginnings of an association that would outlast all of them. As 2026 comes to a close, so does our 80th anniversary year. It’s a fitting moment to look back at how a friendly card game became one of the Midwest’s longestrunning industry organizations.
A Chicago Circle Goes Regional The group first organized as the Chicago Bolt Nut and Screw Association (CBNSA), a close network of distributors and manufacturers in the Chicagoland and Rockford area. It didn’t stay small for long. In 1963, the association added a Purchasing Agents Group, giving employees throughout member companies a place to compare notes, make contacts, and sharpen their operations. By 1981, it had reshaped itself into a more modern, inclusive organization centered on networking, education, and the people who keep this industry running. By 2001, membership had climbed past 200 companies across nine Midwestern states. The Chicago name no longer told the whole story, so the association took on the one we carry today: the Mid-West Fastener Association.
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Learning Has Always Come First “Where Education is a Priority” has guided the MWFA for years, and the record backs it up. Members have learned through seminars, plant tours, and dinner meetings featuring top-tier speakers. The association has also put real support behind the next generation: scholarships awarded to members, their spouses, and their children now total $818,500. That figure is made possible by our member companies, generous donors, and the continued success of the annual Fastener Show.
Built by People Who Showed Up No association runs on history alone. For 80 years, the MWFA has depended on people willing to give their time and knowhow so the whole industry could benefit. That line runs from our four founders straight through the leaders recognized in the CBNSA Hall of Fame, including Marty Alpert, Nancy Rich, Ron Sackheim, Ed Schneider, and many others whose contributions shaped the organization we have today.
Looking Ahead This past summer, FSTNR Week gave us the chance to celebrate the milestone in person, with longtime friends, new members, and a Hall of Fame Dinner worthy of the occasion. Eighty years in, the industry looks different, the tools have changed, and a new generation is stepping up. What hasn’t changed is the idea those four men shared in 1946: this business is better when we build it together. Thank you to every member, sponsor, volunteer, and friend who has pulled up a chair. We can’t wait to see who joins us next. Here’s to the next 80.
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FSTNR WEEK ‘26 : TABLE TOP SHOW
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FSTNR WEEK ‘26 : ANNIVERSARY DINNER & HALL OF FAME
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READER’S CORNER AFC INDUSTRIES ACQUIRES SIGNATURE ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS AFC Industries, a leading provider of supply chain and manufacturing solutions, has acquired Signature Engineered Solutions (SES), an Aurora, Illinois-based provider of highly engineered fasteners, components and application solutions. SES specializes in helping OEM customers solve complex fastening and assembly challenges, with capabilities spanning specialty threaded products, metal and plastic fasteners, clips, clamps, springs, rivets, precision machined components and other engineered solutions. The company serves a diverse range of markets including automotive, heavy truck, heavy equipment, construction, energy, electrification, HVAC and power generation. The acquisition further strengthens AFC’s engineered component capabilities while adding a highly experienced team with deep technical expertise and longstanding relationships with leading manufacturers in the engineered fastener market. “SES is a great example of the type of business we want to add to AFC,” said Kevin Godin, CEO of AFC Industries. “They have strong customer relationships, deep application expertise and a team that understands how to create value well beyond supplying a part. Bringing SES into AFC gives their customers access to a much broader set of capabilities while giving AFC additional expertise and relationships in markets where we see significant opportunities for growth.” “This isn’t about changing what makes SES successful,” Godin added. “It’s about giving a talented team more tools to work with. As AFC continues to grow, we’re looking for businesses that bring something meaningful to the organization: expertise, capabilities, customer relationships and people who fit our culture. SES checks all of those boxes.” For more information contact AFC Industries online at www.afc-ind.com. To view or share our digital newsletter, visit us online at www.mwfa.org/newsletter.htm
2026 EVENTS CALENDAR November 5
Scholarship and Board Elections Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL
December 10
Holiday Party Medinah Banquets, Addison, IL
THE ASSOCIATION
A membership with connections that hold the world together, the Mid-West Fastener Association is one of the oldest fastener associations in the United States. For over 80 years, the association has expanded and evolved from a small local group, to the largest regional fastener association in the industry with members from coast to coast. THE MISSION
The MWFA’s primary purpose is to serve and promote the fastener industry and the ever changing needs of its membership base. The MWFA is dedicated to representing all fastener industry segments: manufacturers, distributors, importers and industry suppliers. THE BENEFIT
As a leader in the fastener industry, the MWFA continues to focus on educational programs. The association’s programs provide unsurpassed fastener industry training, utilizing industry experts with decades of industry experience, offering extensive knowledge and hands on training. THE MEMBERSHIP
For membership opportunities, contact the association below or visit us online. Mid-West Fastener Association
PO Box 255 Park Ridge, IL 60068 Tel: 847-438-8338 Email: mwfa@mwfa.org www.mwfa.org THE OPPORTUNITY
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Please refer to our website at www.mwfa.org for updates.
© 2026 Mid-West Fastener Association. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the copyright owner.
For advertising and press opportunities in the MWFA newsletter, contact the editor. Francesca Lewis Editor Email: mwfa@mwfa.org Upcoming Newsletter Deadline
December 12, 2026