MINNEAPOLIS – The SMTA honored members who have shown exceptional service to the association and the electronics assembly industry. The Founder’s Award for 2013 was presented to Chuck Richardson of iNEMI. Richardson was one of the first SMTA volunteer leaders, and has supported the SMTA for more than two decades. He is also iNEMI’s director of roadmapping.

Mike Bixenman of Kyzen and Pradeep Lall, PhD, of Auburn University, received the Member of Technical Distinction Award.

Don Mayse of Schlumberger received the Excellence in Leadership Award, and Soren Norlyng of Micronsult received the International Leadership Award.

The SMTA+ Corporate Partnership Award was presented to STI Electronics. David Raby, president of STI Electronics, accepted the award for his company. STI Electronics joined the SMTA as a Corporate Member in 1985.

The Chapter of the Year Award went to the Oregon SMTA Chapter, recognized for its commitment to the SMTA objective of “Sharing the Knowledge.” The 2nd Place Runner Up was a tie between LA/Orange County Chapter and Upper Midwest Chapter. The 3rd Place Runner Up went to the Atlanta Chapter.