WINTER 2014

78 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

78 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK MWFA - P. O. Box 5, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 • Tel: 847.438.8338 • 1.800.753.8338 • Email: mwfa@ameritech.net • www.mwfa.net MID-WEST FASTENER ASSOCIATION MWFA CELEBRATED MILESTONE IN SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The MWFA is proud to announce 30th awarding of MWFA scholarships. This year’s scholarships were awarded November 7th at the annual Scholarship meeting. Chef Peter Balodimas was present as guest speaker addressing the audience. Peter’s message on pursuing a dream and not giving up when you hit downfalls came from the heart. He spoke of his start at 13 when his father sent him to work at his friend’s restaurant with hopes he’d give up the foolish idea of becoming a chef. After all the family had a successful funeral business which he could take over. The harder he was pushed the more Peter wanted to pursue his dream. His stories of successes and failures proved you can do what you really want to as long as you’re willing to continue to work hard for your goal. This year, the MWFA celebrated a special milestone in scholarship awards; they reached the half million dollar mark with our cumulative awarded total at 9,700. It is mainly the MWFA shows and membership donations which provide the funds for this outstanding program. They take their motto: ‘Where education is a priority” very seriously. Over the years, 134 companies have been awarded scholarships with 458 scholarships being awarded. In addition to the MWFA fund raising efforts, they are grateful to companies and families donating scholarships making it possible to award larger scholarships to a few of the applicants. Special recognition was given to XL Screw Corp. for sponsoring a whole scholarship for the 15th year which is unprecedented. XL has been a great proponent of sponsoring the MWFA scholarship program. Congratulations to the following students receiving 2014 Scholarships. ,500 Scholarships: Jeanine Liautaud daughter of Joseph Liautaud - Acme Industrial Company. Jeanine is currently a sophomore at Webster University majoring in photography & minoring in media communications. Nick Limardo son of Efrain Limardo - Elgin Fastener Group. Nick is currently a senior at Indiana University completing his degree in Neuroscience. Brittany Yerges daughter of Debbie Yerges - Global Fastener & Supply Inc. Brittany is currently a High School senior planning to study Interior Architecture & Design in college. Madeline Fickel daughter of Herbert Fickel - Trinity Logistics Corp. Madeline is junior at the University of Iowa studying computer engineering. Morgan Jozsa daughter of Alan Jozsa - Gateway Screw & Rivet. Morgan is a High School senior still pursuing options for college major. Megan McKinnon daughter of Mike McKinnon - Rogers Brothers Galvanizing. Megan is a High School senior planning to major in accounting/finance in college. Bailey Kondrat daughter of Tom Kondrat - Screws Industries. Bailey is a freshman at Illinois State University majoring in History and Social Science Education. Miranda Richter daughter of Catherine Richter - Elgin Fastener Group. Miranda is a High School senior looking to pursue a nursing degree. Michelle Cavoto daughter of Rich Cavoto - Metric & Multistandard. Michelle is a freshman at Purdue University pursuing her degree I Hospitality & Tourism Management. Anastasia Cottone daughter of Brian Cottone - Kanebridge Corp. Anastasia is a freshman at Reinhardt University pursuing her degree in Education. David Carey employee of Clarcorp Industrial Sales. David is pursuing his degree in Quality Management allowing him to continue to be an important asset at Clarcorp. Jessica Phillips daughter of Felica Phillips - Screws Industries. Jessica is a High School senior planning to double major, French Translation & Theatrical Design, in college. To revisit MWFA dollar accomplishment for this year, the MWFA also thanked the media for their role in this accomplishment. There are many components contributing to making our events successful. The media, over the years, has played a role in pre and post reportings, allowing the industry more awareness as to the programs we are offering. please turn to page 80

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 79 Have you heard, of the changes that happened at Rite-Pack, LLC Rite-Pack has been serving the packaging needs of the fastener industry from their location in Chicago’s western suburbs for many years. Now there’s new management, team members, technology, and a new attitude which has resulted in an increase in capacity, better quality, and on-time delivery at competitive prices! New Management: Paul Boatman is the new General Manager. He is a graduate of Benedictine University in Lisle, IL. During his six year career at Rite-Pack Paul has held various positions. Previously he has been a machine operator and worked his way up to warehouse manager. He has extensive knowledge and training with all of the packaging equipment. Paul is focusing on both administrative and technical improvements in order to improve order fulfillment. A big priority Paul has focused on is improving count accuracy and reducing downtime, he THE NEW RITE-PACK! Rite-Pack, LLC 469 Windy Point Drive, Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Tel: 630-793-9205 Fax 1-866-871-1547 Email: sales@rite-pack.com www.rite-pack.com is diligently addressing preventative maintenance on equipment to do so. New Technologies: Recently two New high-speed automated check weighing scales and a new bagging line were added to the operation, increasing accuracy and capacity. All other lines were completely rebuilt to maximize productivity and accuracy. New Products: Rite-Pack also now has the capabilities to run “Thick Film” bags up to 6 mil. These are puncture and tear resistant and can hold heavier loads. They also provide many other types of packaging and kitting including poly clamshells, boxes, blister packs and more, packaging product from Chrome caps to lava rocks. It’s a New Day! With all these changes, one thing remains unchanged: Striving to provide customers world class service at a competitive price. Contact Rite- Pack - they will review your requirements and provide you with a competitive product, price, and delivery.