The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has announced the winners of its annual awards during the annual meeting in Bonita Springs, Fla. John W. Estey, of S&C Electric Co., received the highest honor, the Bernard H. Falk Award. The award recognizes individuals with achievements in technology, public affairs, management, trade, and other fields important to the electroindustry.
He joined S&C Electric Co. in 1972 and advanced through various management positions before his appointment as president in 1988. In 2007, he was elected chairman of NEMA Board of Governors and played a role in helping NEMA establish its existing Strategic Initiatives Program.
“John has an incredible work ethic. Everything he gets into, he gives 110 percent. He is admired and revered by the company, particularly for his steady leadership,” notes S&C CEO Kyle H. Seymour.
This year NEMA launched the R?ntgen Award to commemorate the father of medical imaging, Wilhelm Conrad R?ntgen, who discovered x-rays and created the first medical image in 1985. This award celebrates pioneers within NEMA’s Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA). Han Beinke was awarded the R?ntgen Award this year for his leadership in the medical device industry. Mr. Beinke, vice president of Siemens Healthcare, has been involved in MITA for more than 15 years. His leadership within MITA led to the growth of the medical imaging device marketplace in the U.S. and internationally and reduced trade and regulatory burdens.
Additional award recipients include Steven G. Rood of Legrand North America and Rebecca F. Rainer of Eaton Lighting who received the Kite and Key Award; and Champion Fiberglass who received the Business Innovation Council (BIC) Illuminations Award.
The Kite and Key Award recognizes individuals whose work in codes and standards have advanced the interests of the electroindustry. Having worked in the industry for 30 years, Steve Rood, now director of codes and standards for Legrand North America, has a background that allows him to bring a broad understanding to the strategic role of codes and standards as they relate to various segments of the industry. Mr. Rood is a voting representative in several NEMA Sections and committees.
Rebecca “Becky” Rainer, the other winner of the Kite and Key Award, has been a member of the NEMA Lighting Division for more than 20 years. Ms. Rainer is a recognized authority on outdoor lighting. In addition to holding leadership roles within numerous NEMA committees and working groups, Ms. Rainer is also involved in outside organizations related to lighting. She holds leadership roles on NEMA committees, and she actively promotes NEMA and its standards in her work with adjacent industries.
Champion Fiberglass, founded in 1988 by Goran Haag, received the 2017 Illuminations Award. The award is presented to a NEMA BIC member company that has demonstrated success through entrepreneurial growth and advanced technology innovation. Mr. Haag’s passion for fiberglass and his commitment to quality products revolutionized his sector of the electroindustry. The company is a supplier of fiberglass conduit and strut for use in industrial, electrical and mechanical markets. Mr. Haag’s leadership embodies the values that NEMA celebrates with this award.