Next month, AAMA will take the time to thank some of its hardest workers during one of my favorite events every year: the AAMA Annual Awards Banquet. This year’s banquet, which will take place during the 82nd Annual Conference, has a classic Hollywood theme, which I’m sure will make it feel at least a little bit like the Oscars. But what I really love about it, and every year’s celebration, is that it gives the association a chance to spotlight the accomplishments of some of our most devoted members.

Four awards are always presented: Distinguished Service Awards for the Architectural Products Group, the Residential Products Group and Marketing; and the Outstanding Member Award. We receive nominations for each and on awards night, it’s always a pleasure to see the looks of surprise on winners’ faces when they realize the person being commended is them! We also present a number of longevity awards, thanking member companies for their milestone years of continuous AAMA membership. And this year, as is done biennially, the outgoing Chairman of the Board will select one member company to receive the Chairman’s Award which acknowledges one company that has made considerable contributions to the organization during that Chairman’s two-year term.

It’s so important to take the time to shout out those who go above and beyond in their efforts toward bettering the industry. After all, these are the members who are leading conference calls, taking on positions of leadership in committee and task group work and ultimately implementing change and improvement for everyone.

Our members give their time and knowledge to further the work of AAMA. I look forward to thanking this year’s round of winners in person at the Annual Conference.