NASF Industry Awards

Taormina Award

The Taormina Award is the highest honor presented by the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF). It is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and long-term dedication to advancing the surface finishing industry over the course of their careers.

• Recipients are industry leaders who have made a lasting impact through:
  • Association Leadership: Serving in key roles within NASF or its predecessor organizations, driving initiatives that strengthen the association’s mission and influence.
  • Advocacy & Mentorship: Championing the interests of the surface finishing industry through advocacy efforts and mentoring the next generation of professionals.
  • Industry Collaboration: Fostering partnerships and collaboration among industry stakeholders to advance shared goals and elevate professional standards.
  • Legacy & Inspiration: Leaving a lasting legacy by inspiring others through their dedication, vision, and commitment to the industry’s growth and success.

This award celebrates individuals whose lifelong commitment and extraordinary contributions have shaped the future of the surface finishing industry and left an indelible mark on NASF.

About Silvio C. Taormina:
Silvio C. Taormina was a pioneering figure in the electroplating industry during the mid-20th century. Based in Flushing, New York, Taormina was widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in gold alloy plating technology. His innovations revolutionized the field, leading to the issuance of U.S. Patent 2,754,258 on July 10, 1956, for a method of gold alloy plating.

• Taormina’s contributions extended beyond his technical achievements. He was deeply involved in industry associations, advocating for the advancement of surface finishing technologies and fostering collaboration among professionals.
• Initially established by the National Association for Metal Finishing (NAMF), the Taormina Award was later carried over to NASF, ensuring its continued legacy of recognizing exceptional leadership and service in surface finishing.

This award remains one of the highest honors within NASF, celebrating individuals whose lifelong dedication, leadership, and extraordinary contributions have shaped the future of the surface finishing industry.

August P. Munning Award

Recognizing Supplier Contributions to the Surface Finishing Industry

The August P. Munning Award honors supplier members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and long-term service to the surface finishing industry. This prestigious award celebrates individuals whose contributions have not only strengthened the supplier community but also advanced the sustainability and growth of the entire industry.

• Recipients are recognized for:
  • Education & Training: Hosting workshops, technical seminars, and hands-on training programs to enhance industry expertise and foster innovation.
  • Advocacy & Regulatory Support: Engaging with government agencies, supporting NASF’s policy initiatives, and ensuring regulatory compliance to protect and grow the industry.
  • Strengthening Industry Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships among job shops, OEMs, regulatory bodies, and associations to drive industry-wide progress and unity.
  • Supporting NASF’s Mission: Contributing to the association’s efforts to maintain its sustainability, expand its reach, and advance its goals for the benefit of the entire industry.

About August P. Munning:
August P. Munning was a trailblazer in the metal finishing industry during the early 20th century. He founded Munning Equipment Company in 1911, which became a cornerstone in the development of surface finishing equipment. Munning’s innovations in equipment design and manufacturing significantly advanced the industry, enabling more efficient and effective finishing processes.

• Beyond his technical contributions, Munning was deeply committed to the supplier community. He played a key role in establishing the Metal Finishing Suppliers’ Association (MFSA), which later became part of NASF. His dedication to collaboration and industry growth set a standard for future generations.
• The August P. Munning Award, initially established by MFSA, continues under NASF to honor supplier members who exemplify Munning’s legacy of dedication, leadership, and commitment to the future of surface finishing.

This award remains a distinguished honor within NASF, celebrating individuals whose contributions drive industry growth, elevate professional standards, and strengthen the supplier community.

Presidential Award

Recognizing Transformative Leadership and National Impact

The Presidential Award is one of NASF’s highest honors. It recognizes individuals who actively participate at the national level and have made a transformative impact on the surface finishing industry through national leadership. This award celebrates visionaries whose efforts have shaped the industry’s future, influenced policy, and strengthened NASF’s mission on a national scale.

• Recipients are celebrated for:
  • Driving Major NASF Programs: Leading initiatives that create lasting change within the industry.
  • National Advocacy Efforts: Influencing regulations, legislation, and public policy affecting surface finishing.
  • Building Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration among industry stakeholders to support long-term growth and sustainability.
  • Expanding NASF’s Reach: Championing industry-wide education, workforce development, and professional engagement.

This award honors visionaries whose leadership and service have elevated the industry to the highest level, ensuring a strong and prosperous future for surface finishing.

Scientific Achievement Award

Recognizing Excellence in Scientific Innovation

The NASF Foundation Scientific Achievement Award is one of the most distinguished honors in the surface finishing industry. It recognizes top researchers whose work has led to groundbreaking advancements in materials science, analytical techniques, and electroplating processes. This award celebrates pioneers who have pushed the boundaries of scientific knowledge, driving innovation that transforms the industry and sets new standards for excellence.

• Recipients are recognized for:
  • Groundbreaking Research: Pioneering advancements in surface finishing technologies, such as new materials, coatings, or analytical methods.
  • Innovative Solutions: Developing processes that improve efficiency, sustainability, or performance in surface finishing applications.
  • Industry-Wide Impact: Shaping the scientific and technological standards of the industry through their contributions.
  • Educational Contributions: Sharing knowledge through publications, lectures, and mentorship to advance the field.
• Each recipient is required to deliver the Blum Memorial Lecture, a distinguished presentation highlighting their contributions and ongoing advancements in the field.

About Dr. William Blum:
Dr. William Blum was a pioneering scientist whose work laid the foundation for modern electroplating and surface finishing. As a researcher at the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST), Blum conducted groundbreaking studies that improved plating processes and material performance. His work established fundamental principles that are still used in the industry today.

• Blum was also a prolific author and educator, co-writing the seminal text Principles of Electroplating and Electroforming, which remains a cornerstone of electroplating education.
• The American Electroplaters’ Society (AES) established the Scientific Achievement Award in 1957, and Blum became its first recipient in 1958. The award was later renamed in his honor, and the Blum Memorial Lecture tradition began in 1959 to celebrate his legacy.

This award continues to honor individuals who embody Dr. Blum’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and the advancement of surface finishing technologies.

NASF Fellow

Recognizing Long-Standing Commitment to NASF

The NASF Fellow Award is a lifetime designation honoring individuals who have demonstrated long-standing commitment, leadership, and service to NASF. A Fellow is an ambassador for the association, embodying its mission and values while dedicating their time, expertise, and passion to advancing the surface finishing industry and strengthening NASF’s impact.

• Recipients are recognized for:
  • Commitment: A minimum of 5 years of active membership and dedication to NASF and the surface finishing industry, demonstrating a sustained and impactful contribution to the association’s mission.
  • Active Participation: Taking on leadership roles, serving on committees, and contributing to key initiatives such as workforce development, education, and advocacy.
  • Strengthening NASF’s Influence: Expanding membership, enhancing engagement, and supporting the association’s mission to advance the surface finishing industry.
  • Ambassadorship: Representing NASF as a trusted advocate, fostering collaboration, and promoting the association’s goals within the industry and beyond.

This award celebrates individuals whose dedication has helped shape NASF’s future and advance the surface finishing industry. NASF Fellows are not only leaders within their organizations but also ambassadors for the association, guiding its journey and inspiring others to contribute to its mission.

Award of Merit

Recognizing Service to the Surface Finishing Industry

The NASF Award of Merit recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service at the local or national level, contributing to NASF’s mission and the surface finishing industry. This award celebrates those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts, making a meaningful difference through their dedication and commitment.

• Recipientsare recognized for:
  • Supporting Local Chapters:Organizing events, fostering engagement, and building community within local NASF affiliates.
  • Expanding NASF Membership:Enhancing community involvement and outreach to grow NASF’s presence at the local level.
  • Advocacy Efforts:Supporting regulatory initiatives and public policy efforts that benefit the industry, even if focused on local or regional impact.
  • Educational Leadership:Developing programs, workshops, or initiatives that support local NASF chapters and promote industry knowledge.

This award also honors individuals outside the field (e.g., regulatory representatives) whose efforts have significantly advanced NASF’s mission and strengthened the surface finishing industry. The NASF Award of Merit is a meaningful recognition of dedication and service, celebrating those who have made a positive impact—whether through local chapter support, regional advocacy, or other contributions—without necessarily engaging at the national level.