2021 AWS District 11 Conference Re-Cap

There was a lot on the agenda to discuss, which was led by our District Director, Phillip Temple. Attendance was lower than anticipated but there were 15 members that showed up in person which was refreshing and different from the new normal of online meetings.

Phil updated the district on the following:

Bob Roth, our AWS President, had his term  extended another year, due to Covid.
Phil has been our District Director for four years and he will be looking for a replacement next year as his term is coming to an end.

Some interesting statistics were presented:

• AWS foundation gave away 2 million in scholarships, 1.6 million in welding programs
  • 24 students from this district won scholarships
  • 23% went towards a female representative
  • 54% went to people getting a certificate
• 55 people have more than 50 years as AWS members (FT won the guess at 50 and claimed a mouse pad!)
• 974 members out of 70,000
• 5 members with more than 70 years of membership

Phil is looking at ways to recognize these members

Andrea Orr was recognized for being nominated as AWS Future Leader
District Meritorious Awards were presented:

• Scott Poe – District 11 Educator Award
• Anthony P Duris – District 11 NW Ohio Section
• Dan Wellman District 11 Meritorious Award
• Tom Sparschu – AWS National Award
• Mike Karogoulis AWS Fellow Award.

  For the first time ever, a section grant award was presented to ZF North America recognizing their generous support.

  Chris Ewing from William D Ford Technical Center in Westland, MI, gave a captivating impromptu speech on building relationships within in our organization.

  A staff report on national activities was presented by our new representative Michael Rovins AWS director of global sales

  The final discussions were Scholarships, AWS foundation grants, New business, and came to a close with the next District 11 meeting date which is tentatively May 7th, 2022.