2013 SMTA Members of Distinction Awards

The FOUNDER'S AWARD honoring members who have made exceptional contributions to the industry as well as support and service to the SMTA, was presented to Vern Solberg, STC Madison. (right). Longevity and dependability. These two words best describe Vern. He has been a member of the SMTA since it was established. There has never been a year when Vern was not involved in some way with the SMTA. When "push comes to shove" we know we can ALWAYS depend on Vern to come through...with a course, a paper, organizing a session. He is well known in our industry and really fits the description for the founder's award based on his many contributions to not only the SMTA, but to the industry at large.

The MEMBER OF TECHNICAL DISTINCTION AWARD recognizes individuals who have made significant and continuing contributions to the SMTA. This year the Awards Committee selected Chrys Shea, Shea Engineering Services and Dr. Polina Snugovsky, Celestica Inc. as the recipients of this prestigious award.

Chrys Shea is such a favorite for chapter presentations and special events at SMTAI. She never hesitates to step up to the plate and deliver strong presentations for us. Her SMTAI 2011 award testifies to that. Not only is she a "techie", she makes learning FUN for everyone.

The level of respect and recognition that Dr. Polina Snugovsky has garnered in her decade and a half in the electronics industry is both astounding and well-earned. She freely shares her knowledge with all levels of industry colleagues, and takes sharing several steps further by actively teaching and training through her committee activities as well as internally within Celestica, to benefit not just the company but the industry as a whole.

The EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AWARD honors SMTA members who stand out as strong leaders in the Association. The 2012 recipients of this award are Frances Stewart, UP Media Group (not pictured) and Jack Reinke, Kyzen Corporation.

Jack Reinke works tirelessly for his Chapter as Secretary, giving timely, detailed reports on all of their activities. He contributes to the newsletter publication, organizes the meeting attendees, and most important of all, he promotes the Space Coast Chapter all throughout the State during his business travels. Jack contributes to every SMTAI with participation in presentations regarding "Electronic Cleaning Issues". He speaks and participates in "Cleaning" presentations at Technical Expos in Atlanta, Tampa and Huntsville, offering them support wherever needed.

Frances Stewart has served the Atlanta Chapter as their VP of Publications, but her most important role has been that of VP Expo Committee. Atlanta's Expo is one of the oldest and largest in the country. Frances has taken on the role of "show director" in a very serious way. Her trade show experience has allowed the Atlanta Chapter to have one of the most professional Expos in the country. She takes her role seriously, has great ideas, is a "super" organizer, and has exceptional enthusiasm.

The SMTA+ CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP AWARD was presented to Kyzen Corporation. Kyzen Corporation joined the SMTA as a Corporate Member in 1993 and has been continuously active in their commitment to SMTA.

When the SMTA needs help Kyzen is ALWAYS there. Outstanding speakers, award winning papers, sponsorships and more sponsorships (providing us the revenue we need for an event), showing leadership by serving on our Board of Directors. Exhibiting at almost ALL SMTA events. Kyzen has gone above and beyond many times over in their support of the SMTA.

The CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD recognizes an SMTA chapter that has shown exemplary commitment to our objective... "Sharing the Knowledge". The overall rating of each chapter is measured in the following areas: membership growth, regular meeting scheduling, timely reporting and communication, creative and informative technical programming, special projects, contributions and volunteer service on SMTA committees.

We are proud to present our 2012 Chapter of the Year Award to the Oregon SMTA Chapter. We are proud of the chapter's success and for their outstanding leadership team. Congratulations and thank you for "sharing the knowledge" with colleagues in our industry.

2nd Place Runner-up - Upper Midwest Chapter
3rd Place Runner-up - Dallas Chapter

Outstanding Achievement Awards