Last Call for Entries in AWS 6th Annual Image of Welding Awards

Miami, FL, May 12, 2008 – In search of the heroes of welding, the American Welding Society (AWS) has issued a last call for entries in the 6th Annual Image of Welding Awards program. This is the industry's top awards competition saluting the year's most outstanding public initiatives and programs that promote the image of welding. The entry deadline has been extended to July 31, 2008.

The Image of Welding Awards, presented by AWS, the world's largest organization dedicated to advancing the science, technology and application of welding, and the Welding Equipment Manufacturers Committee (WEMCO), a standing committee at AWS, is open to all welding industry professionals.

Nominations may be submitted online at awssection.org/index.php/forms/iow.

Awards are issued in seven categories. All individuals, organizations and groups may be nominated for multiple categories. Self nominations are also welcome. Winners will be honored at the Image of Welding Awards Ceremony to be held during the FABTECH International and AWS Welding Show on October 6-8, 2008 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Image of Welding Awards Program recognizes outstanding achievement in the following categories:

• Individual (you or other individual)

• Section (AWS local chapter)

• Large Business (200 or more employees)

• Small Business (less than 200 employees)

• Distributor (welding products)

• Educator (Welding teacher at an institution, facility, etc...)

• Educational Facility (Any organization that conducts welding education or training)

"Raising public awareness about welding is vital to establishing a positive image for the industry," said Jim Horvath, chair of the AWS Image of Welding Subcommittee. "Every year, welding professionals triumph in inspiring young adults to join the field. Their passion helps to reverse negative and untrue industry stereotypes, such as unclean working environments and low salaries, which contribute to poor recruitment and the growing shortage of welders."

Nominations will be judged by WEMCO, which is composed of executives of welding industry suppliers to promote the welding equipment market. Promoting the image of welding as a critical industry is among their priority programs.

Submit a nomination online at awssection.org/index.php/forms/iow. Or send a written explanation of the nominee's qualifications and contact information, along with your name, phone number, email and mailing address, to [email protected] or by postal mail to AWS Image of Welding Awards, 550 NW LeJeune Road, Miami, Florida, 33126. For questions and other requests, please call AWS toll-free at 800-443-9353.

About AWS

The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, and led by a volunteer organization of officers and directors, AWS serves more than 50,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 districts with 250 sections and student chapters. For more information, visit the Society's website www.aws.org.