LAS VEGAS - WoodLINKS-USA announced recipients of its three annual recognition awards at a recognition event held Wednesday night during the AWFS Fair 2011 in Las Vegas.

Max Rivera, who launched a new woodworking program in the Albuquerque, NM school system, was named Educator of the Year; Clay Swayze, marketing manager of Microvellum, was named Industry Partner of the Year; and Duane Griffiths, director of educational services for Stiles Machinery, received the Larry Hilchie Award. Griffiths is also an honorary board member of WoodLINKS.

Hilchie, who died in 2008, was a founding member of WoodLINKS-USA, served as the first WoodLINKS-USA President and was instrumental in its early success. The award was established in 2004 in recognition of his efforts. 

The event also marked the transition of leadership of the board of WoodLINKS, as Patrick Molzahn, program director for cabinetmaking and millwork at Madison Area Technical College, takes on a three-year presidency of the board from David Peel, president of Microvellum.

For more information about the WoodLINKS-USA program, visit woodlinksusa.org

Microvellum's Clay Swayze (top) was named WoodLINKS partner of the Year; Stiles Machinery's Duane Griffiths received the Hilchie Award (left); Patrick  Molzahn (below) became WoodLINKS board president.