2021 Awards Nominees

POWER OF INDUSTRY AWARDS

Bruce Benedict, Production Tube Cutting

R. Bruce Benedict (“Bruce”) is the president of Production Tube Cutting Inc located in Dayton, Ohio (“PTC”). Since 1959, PTC’s mission has been to manufacture the highest caliber products that are innovative and beneficial to customers. PTC has been a member of FMA since 1977.

Since 2014, Bruce has served on multiple committees for both the TPA and FMA. In 2017, Bruce ascended to the position of chair for both the TPA and NBT boards. Bruce led efforts in 2019 to establish the governance committee of NBT to build a formal structure and process in an effort to identify, recruit, and evaluate board member productivity. Bruce has acted as chair of that committee 2019-2021.

Bruce has personally been responsible for contributions and financial support to NBT of nearly $45,000 over the last 10 years. In 2018, Bruce designated 80% of his gift to the Chairman's Endowment to support the establishment of a camp endowment fund.

Bruce has supported NBT by attending the foundation’s fundraising events through the years as a donor and participant in NBT’s Silent Auction at the Annual Meeting, GOLF4MFG, and the NBT Awards Gala.

PTC welcomes students into its facility during Manufacturing Day to tour the plant.

Bruce Benedict has been nominated for the Power of Industry award due to his demonstrated dedication in both time and support to identify and support the next-generation manufacturing workforce. The totality of Bruce's long-term commitment of time, talent, and treasure to NBT are immeasurable to the success and growth of the organization. His passion for helping people build better lives through the manufacturing industry is astounding, and we are thankful for his belief in the work of NBT.

IMPACT ON INDUSTRY AWARDS

CNA

With more than 100 years of experience in the business and an "A" rating for financial strength by A.M. Best, CNA is the country’s eighth largest commercial property and casualty insurance company. Insurance solutions from CNA are based on a deep understanding of its customers. CNA insurance products include standard commercial lines, specialty lines, surety, marine, and other property and casualty coverages. CNA's services include risk management, information services, underwriting, risk control, and claims administration.

CNA has a longstanding tradition of supporting local nonprofit organizations that work to improve the quality of life in local communities, including charities that are important to its employees and customers. CNA also supports matching employee contributions dollar for dollar up to $5,000 per year. Due to the company’s philanthropic culture, CNA employees are passionate about giving their time in support of nonprofit organizations and participate in a wide array of volunteer activities, including charity walks, home renovations, and other community service projects.

As the only endorsed business insurance carrier for FMA, CNA has proudly served FMA members for more than 25 years. CNA has supported its employees in its volunteer service to FMA and NBT in many capacities, including making presentations at conferences and educational events, representation on the FMA and NBT board of directors, and serving on numerous FMA advisory councils.

CNA’s support and commitment have been at the forefront of donations to NBT. The CNA Foundation’s annual $15,000 donation to NBT’s summer manufacturing camp program has significantly contributed to the program’s growth. CNA has been a leader in helping the camp program grow to reach more young adults than ever before in educating them about the career opportunities available in manufacturing. CNA’s support provides the opportunity for NBT to award grants to a larger number of schools to host camps, providing an opportunity for students who are interested in pursuing a career path outside of a four-year university.

CNA's ongoing support and sponsorships of NBT’s fundraising events such as GOLF4MFG, RUN4MFG, and the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Awards Gala have been instrumental in the success and growth of the foundation’s summer manufacturing camp and scholarship programs.

CNA was nominated for the Impact on Industry award due to its leadership and partnership with FMA and NBT, its dedication to the manufacturing industry and the communities it serves, and the incredible example it sets for its company employees in charitable giving and volunteer service.

FUTURE OF INDUSTRY AWARDS

Madison College

Madison Area Technical College (“Madison College”), a public technical and community college, was founded in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1912. It is the largest of the 16 schools in the Wisconsin Technical College System and serves students across Madison, as well as Reedsburg, Watertown, Fort Atkinson, and Portage.

Madison College began its partnership with NBT in 2018 with the creation of five camps that introduced students to metal fabrication, welding, and technology. Camp directors Linda Nellen and Maria McClellan designed the camps to introduce students to advanced welding techniques, welding safety, and to foster an interest in middle and high school students to explore welding as a career choice.

Over the past three years, Madison College has held 11 camps that have reached 150 students. Students put the welding and fabrication skills learned during the camps to practical use to create bird feeders, benches, and fire pit rings. In addition to lessons in entrepreneurship, students at the Advanced Welding camps also experience altruism and a sense of community as their final camp project is designed to benefit their local community. Past donations to the City of Portage have included a park bench and metal sculpture.

Madison College’s summer manufacturing camps have made an impact in the area through partnerships with local manufacturers to conduct plant tours and positive media coverage the camps have received. Madison College continues to build strong relationships within the manufacturing community and gain local support and increased camp participation year-after-year.

Madison College has been nominated for the Future of Industry award due to its clear goals, local manufacturing support, and creation of interest among over 150 middle and high school students to explore manufacturing and welding careers in the future.