Morris

The Women in the Fastener Industry Association added Jo Ann Morris to its previously announced  2021 awards to Nancy Rich and George Hunt III.

  • WIFI named Jo Ann Morris of the Fastener Training Institute and Desert Distribution as the 2021 Woman in Business. The award goes to a champion and advocate who contributes and supports her own organization and community by sharing knowledge, ideas, insights, and strength. They are women who are dedicated to empowering more women to achieve full potential in all aspects of life.

“There are so many women in our industry I look up to and respect, my biggest appreciation goes to you, our fellow WIFI members, who have worked hard over the years to strive to make a difference,” Morris said.

  • Nancy Rich, who became executive director of the Chicago Bolt, Nut & Screw Association in 1984 is the 2021 Woman of the Year. Since 2004 CBNSA has been the Mid-West Fastener Association. Rich also manages the New England, Southeastern and Metropolitan regional associations.

“This may be an industry I accidentally fell into but I’m so thankful I did,” Rich said. “I’ve enjoyed, for many years, planning and attending industry events, meeting so many great people, and building friendships. I am so fortunate to have been in a career this many years that I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed my job all these years. Serving on many Boards, including WIFI, I have learned so much from my peers and have been so impressed by what our industry can accomplish because of all the wonderful professionals working together.”

Earlier this year, Rich was inducted into the MWFA Hall of Fame and the IFE Hall of Fame.

  • The 2021 Man Up award went to George Hunt III of Brighton-Best International. The award is for a man or a company that has demonstrated a commitment to supporting women and the WIFI organization. The recipient is a partner that provides tools and resources that empower the women in their organization or industry.

“I would like to thank WIFI for their continuous efforts in making this industry the very best it can be, Jen Kushnir for her dedicated leadership and above all else my amazing employer Brighton-Best International for affording me the opportunity to represent their organization,” Hunt said. He commended WIFI for “empowering woman for advancement” as well as providing the “tools necessary to make good on core ideologies in which educate, mentor, and unite one another.”

For WIFI information or for 2022 award nominations: FastenerWomen.com.