MHI recognizes industry achievement at its 2023 Annual Conference

At its 2023 Annual Conference, MHI recognized five professionals making an impact on the material handling and supply chain industry. The award winners were announced during an October 3rd ceremony at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

MHI’s Young Professional Network (YPN) awarded Austin Percifull the Outstanding Young Professional award. Austin is an account manager with Spring Automation. The Mpro Young Mentor Award was presented to Gerard Biasutto, who is the Director of Product Management for Blue Giant Equipment Corporation.

For the first time, MHI’s Marketing Professionals (Mpro) community issued the Outstanding Marketer award. Tracy Niehaus, Director of Marketing, Warehouse Solutions North America for Vandelande, was the recipient of this inaugural award.

Reflecting on the award winners, John Paxton, CEO of MHI stated, “People are the most important factor when it comes to the success of the supply chain industry. MHI is honored to recognize these outstanding award winners for their dedication to the industry. We are proud of the work that YPN and Mpro do to foster professional connections and develop future talent for the supply chain industry.”

Two lifetime achievement awards were presented by the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc., an independent charitable organization that provides financial support to engage and retain talent in the material handling, logistics, and supply chain industry.

Brian McNamara, former President of Southworth International Group, won the Norman L. Cahners award for his decades of dedication and service to the material handling industry. The Norman L. Cahners Award recognizes a career of extraordinary service and visionary contributions to the industry.

Additionally, Dr. William G. Ferrell, who is the Flour International Supply Chain Professor and Associate Dean of the Graduate School at Clemson University was awarded with the Reed-Apple Education Award. The Reed-Apple Award recognizes extraordinary contributions in the field of material handling and logistics education.

“I can’t imagine a better pair to be recognized for their exceptional contributions to our industry than Brian McNamara and Bill Ferrell. Their careers have been devoted to this industry and to the development and nurturing of the next generation of material handling and supply chain leaders,” noted Paxton.

MHI’s 2023 Annual Conference was held October 1-4, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and featured interactive educational sessions, MHI Industry Group meetings, and networking events.