Mid-West Fastener Association | Spring 2024 Newsletter

NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Jake Davis

MANUFACTURING

Following our mild winter here in the Midwest, spring is very much in the air here at the Mid-West Fastener Association. The board of directors has already had 3 board meetings, and following our successful event at Puttshack, all of us are very excited for what is in store for our members over the next few months.

On May 30th, prepare to get away from the daily grind and join your local fastener friends at the MWFA sponsored Screwed Up Open. We will be gathering once again at

MWFA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

MWFA would like to welcome the following new members to the Association, we thank you for your support.

» Atlas Fastener, Sauk City, WI

» DarLoc, Long Grove, IL

» Volt Industrial Plastics, Yellville, AR

White Pines Golf Club for a Noon Shot Gun Shot. This is always a laid-back afternoon of golf, so make sure you make plans to join us. Also, our first “Nuts & Brews” Happy Hour of the year will follow the Screwed Up Open, so whether you choose to golf or stay at the office, keep your eyes open for more details about this fun networking event.

Just as I did last year, I would like all of us to be thinking about a dynamic speaker for our Scholarship Awards Dinner. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to reach out to Francesca or myself. Let us do the heavy lifting, however we would like to hear from all of you regarding who you might want to see speak next November.

Finally, I want all of you to know that the MWFA will be hitting the road this July.

More details to come later, but make sure you save the date for July 11, 2024. Just a little teaser, as the MWFA will be taking in some afternoon Brewers baseball on the Johnsonville Party Deck! You won’t want to miss brats, beverages, and baseball.

I am so excited for what lies ahead for our association and I sure hope all of you will join us. We are nothing without the support of all of you and I can assure you, it never gets overlooked by the board of directors. Wishing you all continued success and I look forward to connecting with you over the next couple of months.

God Bless,

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Jake Davis - BTM Manufacturing

Vice President Jill Lewis - Integrated Packaging & Fastener

Treasurer George Hunt III - Brighton Best International

Secretary Bobby Wegner - Beacon Fasteners and Components

Directors Bob Baer - Abbott Interfast

Glen Brin - Darloc Corp.

Matt Delawder - SWD Inc.

David Gawlik - Stelfast, Inc.

Cory Wing - Wing-Hamlin Co. Inc.

Alternates Rich Cavoto - Metric & Multistandard Components

Michelle Curry - Sems and Specials Inc.

Jen Kushnir - Associated Fastening

Wayne Wishnew - XL Screw Corporation

Executive Director Francesca Lewis

2024 MWFA PRESIDENT

DON’T MISS THESE GREAT EVENTS!

SCREWED UP OPEN AND NUTS & BREWS SOCIAL

Get ready for an unforgettable day of golfing excitement and post-game relaxation! On May 30th, 2024, mark your calendars for the Screwed Up Open at White Pines Golf Course, followed by the Nuts and Brews Cocktail Hour at Elmhurst Brewery. This dynamic duo of events promises a day packed with fun, challenges, and the perfect blend of sport and socializing. Join us for a memorable day of golfing and socializing. Whether you’re a golf pro or just looking for an enjoyable time, come out and join us! See you there!

Date: May 30th

Time: 11am Lunch (box lunch provided)

12pm Shotgun Start

Nuts & Brews Social to follow White Pines Golf Club, Bensenville, IL

MWFA MILWAUKEE OUTING BREWERS GAME

Join the MWFA for an exciting day out this summer as we gather for the Brewers game! Get ready to cheer on our team, enjoy refreshing brews, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Don’t miss this perfect opportunity to bond with fellow MWFA members and make lasting memories.

Date: July 11th

Time: 1pm

More details for all of our events can be found online at www.mwfa.net

2024 FSTNR WEEK-AUGUST

FASTENER SHOW, TRAINING, NETWORKING AND RECREATIONALL IN ONE WEEK

MWFA is thrilled to announce FSTNR Week taking place from August 18th to August 21st, 2024. This event continues to serve as a pivotal week for the fastener industry, fostering numerous opportunities for collaboration and growth. This year, all events will be held at the prestigious Lincolnshire Marriott Resort in Lincolnshire, IL. This venue offers attendees the convenience of staying on-site for all events, reducing travel time, and enhancing networking opportunities. Located just 18 miles from O’Hare International Airport, the resort boasts a range of amenities including multiple dining options, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, spa, theater, and more.

The week will commence on Sunday, August 18th, with MWFA once again partnering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) for a charitable event at Marriott Lincolnshire north parking lot. SHP collaborates with groups and communities to build beds for children in need who lack their own.

Monday, August 19th, will feature plant tours across the Chicago area, providing attendees with the chance to explore various companies and their operations. A detailed schedule for each company will be provided to assist

in planning the day. Any company is welcome to host a plant tour but we encourage you to get in touch with us ASAP as allocation is filling up fast, for what promises to be a great day of tours!

If you’d like to be on the plant tour schedule for August 19th, contact Fracesca Lewis at mwfa@mwfa.net. You select the hours you’d like to allow industry friends to stop by. We will ask for registrations but they are not required. Visitors must adhere to the published schedule.

The social festivities begin on Monday night (August 19th) with the MWFA Welcome Mixer. »»

FASTENER SHOW, TRAINING, NETWORKING AND RECREATION - ALL IN ONE WEEK

On Tuesday morning, August 20th, a Fastener Failure Seminar will be conducted by Sean Collis Quality & Special Projects Manager - Michigan Metal Coatings & Darlene Collis, Vice President, QualityLindfast Solutions Group LSG. This is a seminar that will provide value to everyone!

In the afternoon, the 42nd MWFA Fastener Show will take place in a Tabletop format, facilitating easy and cost-effective exhibits. Fastener suppliers are cordially invited to showcase their products and services at the one-day Tabletop Show, a highlight of FSTNR Week. This event provides suppliers from across the country with a prime opportunity to exhibit their offerings at the heart of the fastener industry. Attendees can capitalize on this platform to showcase their products, forge new supplier connections, reconnect with industry peers, and explore innovations and

their applications. The show will feature suppliers of fasteners, secondary services, heat treating, plating, and other services relevant to the fastener industry.

Following the Tabletop Show, attendees can look forward to the Fastener Bash with an exciting sports theme. Whether you’re into basketball, football, soccer, or any other sport, wear your sports gear and enthusiasm for a chance to win prizes and enjoy a memorable evening of networking and entertainment.

On Wednesday, August 21st, the 71st MWFA Golf Outing will take place at Crane’s Landing, nestled within the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. Distributors,

manufacturers, suppliers, fastener industry services, and friends are invited to participate in this prestigious event, which promises breathtaking views of the Des Plaines River amidst 110 acres of preserved woodlands. With just over 6,300 yards of challenging terrain, Crane’s Landing Golf Club offers an unforgettable golfing experience. Register early to secure your spot, as participation is limited to ensure smooth play.

As part of FSTNR Week, the Fastener Training Institute will offer its Fastener Week program from August 21st to August 25th, providing participants with the opportunity to earn their Certified Fastener Specialist certificate through intensive education and plant tours.

Online registration is available at www.fastenertrainingevents.com/fastenertraining-chicago.htm.

FSTNR Week promises to be an enriching experience for all participants, offering valuable insights, networking opportunities, and fun!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 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 (click QR code) and donating.

» 3Q Inc.

» Abbott-Interfast

» All American Systems

» Arlington Fastener

» Avante Imports

» Brico Industries

» Brighton-Best International

» BTM Manufacturing

» Central Wire

» Certified Products

» Chicago Hardware & Fixture Co.

» Clarcorp Industrial Sales

» Continental-Aero

» Crescent Manufacturing

» Crystal Engineering

» Darling Bolt Co.

» EFC International

» Eurolink FSS

» Greenslade & Company

» Hercules Bolt

» Inland Fastener, Inc.

» Integrated Packaging

» J&M Plating, Inc.

» Kanebridge Corporation

» Ken Forging

» Liberty Fastener Company

» Metric & Multistandard Components

» Morgan Ohare, Inc.

» North East Fasteners Corp.

» Prospect Fastener Corp.

» Riverdale Plating & Heat Treating

» Screws Industries Inc.

» Sems and Specials, Inc.

» South Holland Metal Finishing

» SPIROL International

» Stelfast Fasteners

» SWD Inc.

» Three J’s Industies, Inc.

» Tru-Pack

» Wafios Machinery Corporation

» Wrought Washer Mfg., Inc

» Wurth Industries

» XL Screw Corporation

* Bold indicates a company or personal sponsorship

READER’S CORNER

AFC INDUSTRIES HAS ACQUIRED PHILADELPHIA, PA BASED GLOBE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

AFC Industries has acquired Philadelphia Pennsylvania based Globe International Corporation. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 1950, the company is a leading supplier of fasteners, door hardware, and galvanized aircraft cable that specializes in value-added kitting and other services.

Globe co-owner Steven Weissman said, “Our company has a long history of success based on taking excellent care of our customers and our people. It was important to us to find a partner that would continue to build on that foundation and AFC has a proven history of doing that. We are excited to be part of the AFC team and for the

possibilities that now open to us.”

Co-owner Michael Weissman, added, “AFC offered a unique combination of the resources of a larger business with a customer-focused culture built around the team. They understand our business and what has made it successful, and we could not have found a better fit to position us for future success.”

AFC CEO Kevin Godin said, “We knew the Globe team because we competed with them through the years in a couple of our key markets. We have a lot of respect for them and how they do things and bringing them onboard will significantly strengthen our competitive position in those markets. Most importantly though, it allows us to deepen our bench with a group of talented and experienced people who understand how to

work as a team to take excellent care of their customers and each other. That is always an investment we are excited to make.”

Headquartered in West Chester, OH, AFC Industries is a dynamic organization dedicated to providing supply chain management solutions for fasteners, tooling, and assembly components to original equipment manufacturers, assembly plants, and other users of these products. AFC supports a diverse base of manufacturers across a broad range of industries. Their experienced team has a proven track record of helping manufacturers and assemblers reduce cost, improve quality, and increase efficiency.

For more information contact AFC Industries by Tel: 513-874-7456, Email: sales@afcind.com or visit them online at www.afcind.com.

PAST EVENT UPDATE: INTRO CLASS

FASCINATION WITH FASTNERS

INTRODUCTORY CLASSINFORMATIVE EVENT LEAVES ATTENDEES IMPRESSED

On March 23rd, the MWFA’s highly anticipated class, “Fascination with Fasteners,” drew in an impressive crowd of attendees, ranging from fresh recruits to seasoned professionals.

This hands-on course, coupled with an insightful plant tour of MW Components, provided students with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects within the industry. None of this would have been

possible without the invaluable expertise of industry specialists such as Tom Blakley from Brighton Best Int’l, along with Bill Vodicka from MW Components, Matt Delawder from SWD Inc., and Jeff Adams from Wing-Hamlin. A special thanks as well to David Gawlik, his efforts on the Education Committee have played a pivotal role in elevating the class to its current stature and the class’s popularity.

As attendance numbers continue to grow, it is evident that “Fascination with Fasteners” has firmly established itself as a cornerstone educational offering

within the industry. Its enduring appeal underscores the MWFA’s commitment to delivering top-tier educational experiences that resonate with professionals across the fastener industry.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all individuals who contributed to the success of this class.

For those eager to expand their knowledge further, be sure to visit www. mwfa.net for information on upcoming classes, including our ‘not-to-be-missed’ education class coming up this August at our FSTNR Week.

PAST EVENT UPDATE: PUTTSHACK

ANNUAL ECONOMIC UPDATE AND MINIGOLF NETWORKING EVENT DOESN’T DISAPPOINT!

The MWFA launched into 2024 with its flagship event of the year, teaming up with the Chicago Midwest Chapter of the National Association of Surface Finishers. This annual gathering exceeded all expectations, kicking off with a lively networking cocktail hour that set the tone for the evening. The highlight of

the event was a captivating presentation by Thomas Walstrum, a seasoned business economist from the Chicago Federal Reserve. Walstrum’s insightful economic update provided attendees with invaluable perspectives on navigating financial landscapes and deciphering the intricacies of today’s markets. From dissecting inflationary pressures to exploring emerging market opportunities, guests gained a profound

understanding of the driving forces behind economic shifts.

After the enlightening presentation, the festivities continued with guests enjoying drinks, appetizers, and a spirited round of mini golf, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and enthusiasm. It was an evening of learning, networking, and fun!

For more information on upcoming events, visit us online at www.mwfa.net.

PAST EVENT UPDATE: TENUTA TORCIANO WINE SCHOOL

On April 11th, the Mid-West Fastener Association members and guests were treated to a truly exceptional evening of wine tasting hosted by the renowned Tenuta Torciano winery from Tuscany, Italy. Held at the elegant Venuti’s Ristorante in Addison, the event transported guests straight to the heart of the Italian countryside.

As attendees gathered in the beautifully appointed dining room, they were welcomed by a knowledgeable sommelier from the Tenuta Torciano estate. With a warm Italian hospitality, the sommelier guided the group through a curated selection of the winery’s finest vintages.

The tasting kicked off with Tenuta Torciano’s signature Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a crisp, refreshing white that immediately set the tone

for the evening’s festivities. As guests sipped and savored each pour, the sommelier regaled them with entertaining stories about the wines’ origins and production processes at the Tuscan estate.

As the evening continued wines and olive oils were presented alongside delectable Italian antipasti from Venuti’s kitchen. Guests were able to sample the wines paired with an antipasto station brimming with cured meats, cheeses, veggies and breads. A pasta course was also served, allowing attendees to experience how the wines complemented hearty Italian fare. A true standout was the bold, velvet-textured Super Tuscan red blenda wine that exemplified the passion and craft of Tenuta Torciano’s vintners. With each taste, members gained a deeper appreciation for the

careful cultivation of grapes and artful cellar techniques.

By evening’s end, MWFA members were thoroughly educated (and delighted) by the distinctive flavors and histories of these celebrated Tuscan wines. The pairings with traditional foods elevated the tasting to a multi-sensory feast. Tenuta Torciano’s annual tasting has become a cherished tradition, allowing guests to be transported to the sundrenched vineyards of Italy, if only for a few hours.

For those who have not yet experienced the warmth and exceptional quality of a Tenuta Torciano wine tasting, it is not to be missed. The winery’s multi-generational commitment to world-class winemaking is evident in every perfectly balanced pour.

2024 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The 2024 MWFA Scholarship is available online at www.mwfa.net (under scholarships). Download to complete the form and then submit. Eligible employees, their children, and spouses may apply. Scholarships awarded are a one time award. Awards range, in value, from $1,500 to over $4,000.

Companies wishing to offer a scholarship in their name, or name of their choice, may do so with a donation of $1,000 or more. MWFA will match a portion of the funds and add to our list of “named scholarships” awarded in November.

SHOWCASE

YOUR COMPANY IN AND EXCLUSIVE “MEMBER HIGHLIGHT” IN ONE OF OUR UPCOMING MWFA NEWSLETTERS.

We are accepting reservations now - the maximum featured members per issue are two so requests will be scheduled in order of receipt. Showcasing your company allows you the opportunity to introduce yourself, in detail to fellow members and fastener personnel. Every company has a story, so share yours!

To secure your spot, contact Francesca Lewis at mwfa@mwfa.net.

2024 EVENTS CALENDAR

May 22-23

Fastener Fair USA

Cleveland, OH

May 30 5th Annual Screwed Up Open

White Pines Golf Course, Elmhurst, IL

May 30 Nuts & Brews

Elmhurst Brewing Company, Elmhurst, IL

July 11 Milwaukee Event- Brewers Game

Milwaukee, WI

August 18-21 FSTNR Week (Fastener Show, Training, Networking, Recreation)

Marriot Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire, IL

August 18 Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Build

Marriot Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire, IL

August 19 Chicagoland Plant Tours

Multiple Locations

August 19 MWFA Welcome Mixer

Marriot Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire, IL

August 20 Fastener Failures Seminar

Marriot Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire, IL

August 20 42nd Annual Table Top Show

Marriot Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire, IL

August 20 Game On! Fastener Bash

Marriot Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire, IL

August 21 71st Annual Golf Outing

Cranes Landing, Lincolnshire, IL

August 19-23 Fastener Training Week

Marriot Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire, IL

September 9-11

International Fastener Expo

Las Vegas, NV

November 7 Scholarship Awards, Hall of Fame Dinner & Board Elections

Belvedere Banquets, Elk Grove, IL

December 12

Holiday Party

Medinah Banquets, Addison, IL

To view or share our digital newsletter, visit us online at www.mwfa.net/newsletter.htm

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 75 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.net www.mwfa.net

THE OPPORTUNITY

For advertising and press opportunities in the MWFA newsletter, contact the editor.

Francesca Lewis Editor

Email: mwfa@mwfa.net

Scan to visit our Events Page