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:

2011 - Tom McCardle, West Michigan Chapter

During its Annual Awards luncheon, CCAI announced Tom McCardle as the first posthumous winner of its highest honor, The James F. Wright Lifetime Achievement award.  Tom’s award was accepted by his son, Dennis McCardle of Kolene Corporation, Dennis’s wife Pam, Tom’s son-in-law John Cole of Parker Ionics, and longtime colleague Jim Malloy of Kolene.  Tom was recognized for his years of service to CCAI serving on the National Board and as National President.  Tom was instrumental in hiring Anne Goyer as CCAI’s Executive Director in the late 1980s when then Executive Director Matt Heuertz retired. 

“My family is truly touched that CCAI has given its highest award to my dad,” says Dennis McCardle.  “I am fortunate to be able to work at a company where I am reminded of his talents and influences every day.  When we presented the award to my mother, my brother and sister and I knew it would be very emotional.   She wished you could have been there to share in our celebration as my father would have been very proud of this award.  Dad was always thinking so far ahead; I am sure he would be thrilled at how far CCAI has come, but I truly think he saw what it could be.  Thank you again for this wonderful honor of my father and his work.”

2010 - Dave Wright, Wisconsin Chapter

Dave Wright received the James F. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award named for his father, for his years of dedication and service at both the national and chapter level.  Dave has served CCAI in every role imaginable.  he has served on both the chapter and national boards of directors, including terms as President on both.  He's served on various committees throughout the years and he still seves the Wisconsin chapter as Secretary/Treasurer sending out monthly meeting notices, collecting registrations adn working to ensure that everything runs smoothly.  Larry Melgary of Northern Coatings & Chemicals points out that "Dave Wright has been the glue of the Wisconsin chapter and his commitment to both the chapter and national CCAI has helped both prosper and grow over the years.  We wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for Dave Wright.

 

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, Nalco, 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.”