News

We are pleased to announce that 2018 was our biggest and best year yet. We truly appreciate our members and supporters that made it a success. We added 50 new members this year for a total membership of over 250 companies and 33 sponsors. Our programs and activities grew too. We hosted a 5th Anniversary Bash, our Second Annual Tradeshow, and a Golf Tournament that sold out in 10 hours. We are also pleased to announce that we were awarded a contract with the City of Austin to help build a talent pipeline for manufacturers, an initiative that will allow us to bring value to our members and help fulfill our mission: to strengthen the manufacturing community through advocacy, workforce development, and networking. I’m pleased to say, that I also expect a fantastic 2019 that sees even more growth, more participation, and an event calendar that brings you meaningful opportunities to learn and connect with your colleagues.

I’d like to take a moment to thank our Board of Directors, sponsors, and outstanding individuals who help make it all possible. While many are deserving of recognition, a few stood out this year. Please help me congratulate the following:

Volunteer of the Year

Stephanie Verdugo – Simmons Bank

Stephanie is a Gold Sponsor and a long-time ARMA member. She is active on three ARMA Committees: the Membership Committee, Golf Committee, and the Anniversary/Trade Show Committee. Stephanie has been a tremendous help with planning our big events, as well as a great ARMA advocate and recruiting new members in the manufacturing community. We are sure that you have seen her because she often volunteers at events, or makes sure someone from her team is there to help. We truly appreciate everything she has done to make ARMA a success.

Company of the Year

AFP

AFP has been a part of ARMA since 2015. Not only are they continuously supporting ARMA with their event sponsorships, but their team members are active on multiple committees such as the Membership Committee, Golf Committee, and Anniversary/Trade Show Committee. Gwen Pyle with AFP was a big help with our 5th Anniversary Dinner this year, volunteering to create all of the amazing custom centerpieces. It showcased their ability to do great work. They have also recently joined our Workforce Committee and look to be a part in our MSSC CPT pilot program, to train frontline talent for the manufacturing workforce.

Special Recognition

Mike Tipps – Cushman Wakefield

Mike Tipps chairs our membership committee and also sits on the Board of Directors. Mike has been a steady, positive force in the growth of the association.

Crystalee Modica – Dynamic Manufacturing Solutions

Crystalee Modica is one of our most active volunteers. She is always assisting ARMA in any way she can, helping to make our events great. She is a member of the Golf Committee, Anniversary Committee, and Workforce Committee. She is also our lead salesperson for raffle tickets and hole sponsorships for the golf tournament 2 years running!

Gwen Pyle – AFP

Gwen Pyle is another extremely active ARMA volunteer. She has been a crucial member of our Membership Committee and Trade Show/Anniversary committee. We truly appreciate all her assistance with membership recruiting and her décor expertise for the big Anniversary Bash!

Andrea Ames – A&D Insurance Advisors

Andrea Ames chaired oure5th Annual Golf Tournament which raised over $60,000. We appreciated her guidance and leadership to make the event so successful.

ARMA Board of Directors

Thank you to all of our board members for the time and effort they put into the association.

Robb Misso (Dynamic Manufacturing Solutions), Kevin Fincher (RSM), DJ Lewis (Simmons Bank), Mark Avery (Hajjar Peters), Bill Rafferty (SwRI), Tom Lonsdale (Cypress Industries), David Stewart (HID Global), Stephanie Boone (Wondercide), Mike Tipps (Cushman & Wakefield), Debra Dresser (Green Revolution Cooling), Gerry Cairns (NXP), Tom Hibbs (TECO Westinghouse), and Michael Raiford (Samsung Austin Semiconductor).

We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday. I look forward to seeing you at the next ARMA event.

Best regards,

Mark Hunter
ARMA Chairman of the Board