CCAI created a Lifetime Achievement Award to honor members who
have provided years of service to CCAI, contributing to the
finishing industry through education, serving as an ambassador
and going above and beyond for their chapter, fellow members and
the industry as a whole.
The award is named for the late James F. Wright who was
instrumental in the founding of the association and a very
active and strong supporter of the organization.
He was instrumental in developing the Wisconsin Chapter
and volunteered his time to help this chapter succeed.
He was very fond of the networking and educational
opportunities that the CCAI provided.
An award named after him is an appropriate way to
remember his dedication, passion and contributions to the CCAI.
The following individuals have been
honored with the James F. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award:
2009
- Phil Ruggiero, Twin
Cities Chapter
Phil Ruggiero joined CCAI as
a member of the Twin Cities Chapter in 1990 and quickly became
active in the Twin Cities Board. He served as TC Board
President for two years and assisted in putting together monthly
meetings and all day symposiums. In 1994 Phil was elected to
the CCAI National Board and served for 9 years, including 2
years as Treasurer and President. Currently the TC Chapter
Coordinator, Phil manages the chapter membership and mail lists,
sends out meeting notices, takes meeting reservations and
publishes the chapter's quarterly newsletter. According to
Phil, "Like most people who volunteer their services in an
organization such as CCAI, I always got more out of it than I
put in. The extended friendships, networking opportunities and
learning experiences were invaluable to me."

2008
- (co-winners)
Larry Melgary, Northern Coatings & Chemicals, Wisconsin
Chapter
George Bryant, Briggs & Stratton, Wisconsin Chapter
Larry Melgary joined CCAI in 1979.
He has filled many rolls in the Wisconsin Chapter including
Board Member, President, Scholarship Chairman and Program
Chair. On the National Board level Larry has served as
President from 1995 - 1997, the Scholarship Chairman,
Educational Committee Chair, Chapter Affairs Committee
Chair, Marketing Committee Chair, Chairman of Emerging
Technologies since 1999 and represents CCAI at EPA-ETV and
ASTM agency meetings. According to Larry, "Of all the
organizations I have belonged to over the years, CCAI is the
most rewarding in that our mission is to give back to our
industry through providing educational based meetings
and great networking for every member to have unlimited
access to be successful. It's a great opportunity for
me to give back to the industry that has been my career
choice since 1963."

2007 - Jim Malloy, Kolene
Corp., Unaffiliated
Jim
Malloy started his involvement with CCAI on the National Board
level. It was 1988 and his boss
was on the CCAI National Board and could not fulfill his term,
so he suggested that Jim take it over. With the exception of a
year or so, Jim have been involved on the National level with
the board ever since. "It has been an extremely gratifying
experience working with CCAI members over the years, and in some
small way, helping to shape the focus of the organization," says
Jim. "I'm involved in a number of industries beyond surface
finishing, and find the caliber of our membership to be the
finest group of professionals I have had the opportunity to work
with. What began as professional relationships with other
members early on quickly became personal friendships. It's a
rare opportunity to experience professional growth, contribute
to a market that is important to you, and enjoy it at the same
time. CCAI provides its members this rare environment in its
local chapters and at national events."
2006 - Bob Warren, Nal
co,
West Michigan Chapter
Bob has been a member of
CCAI for 30 years. As a member of the West Michigan chapter he
has served on the board as a director, a secretary and 25 years
as treasurer. Bob has been a dedicated member of the
association and has served on the CCAI National Board for 15
years and as President (1990-91), Treasurer (1991-1992 and
1996-1997). Bob was named Supplier of the Year from West
Michigan and National Supplier of the year in 1992/1993, and
West Michigan Supplier of the year in 2003/2004. In 1988
and 1994, Bob was part of the team that brought the National
CCAI Coating Shows to Grand Rapids, Michigan and provided his
expertise as a conference speaker during the 1994 show.
According to Bob, “Being a part of CCAI provided me with
professional growth through the educational meetings and
networking. Its encouraged me to become a professional in our
industry and an asset to my customers and employers. I have made
lifelong friends through CCAI. The highlight from this
journey was to receive the first “James F. Wright Lifetime
Achievement Award”. I thank all of my friends who traveled
along with me on that passage.”