SALT LAKE CITY - "AWI Chapters are an integral and vital part of the organization. Running a chapter is as difficult as running a business, and is the heart of our AWI membership,” said Scott Markwood in opening a Sept. 28 awards ceremony during the Architectural Woodworking Institute 63rd Annual Convention in Salt Lake City. 

Recognizing AWI chapters for their contributions to the architectural woodwork community and service locally to members, the Chapter of the Year Award goes to the top performing AWI member group.

“While all 10 Distinguished Chapters have done an exceptional job of promoting and creating the ‘AWI Experience’ in their respective market, there is only one Chapter of the Year—2015. This most prestigious honor is presented to the one single chapter that has the most accumulated points in the Distinguished Chapter Program,” Markwood said.

This year, that honor goes to the Great Lakes Chapter. Chapter President Tyler Cerny and several Great Lakes Chapter board members were recognized at an AWI Awards Lunch
on September 28, 2015 in Salt Lake City. The chapter‘s name will be etched on the Chapter of the Year Plaque at AWI National headquarters, recognizing their contribution and achievement.

Capter Accomplishments 

In addition to fulfilling all of the requirements for attaining Distinguished Chapter status, the AWI Great Lakes Chapter was aggressive in elevating its profile and service to members in its geographic area.  In the education arena, they hosted a Job Fair at a local school on April 16 that resulted in  several student interviews, they conducted a festive event associated with their June 17th Board of Directors meeting, and organized a successful Great Summer Event on August 20-21 incorporating golf, dinner, cruise,
meetings and a tour.  The chapter will be hosting an AWI Education Outreach “Financial Management” program this November.

The chapter also supports the workforce of tomorrow by its participation in SkillsUSA, and along with the Woodwork Career Alliance provides scholarships to students entering the industry and hosts chapter events at local education facilities. With a new Web site, www.awigreatlakes.org, launched this year, the chapter enhanced its
members’ presence in the design/build community. The chapter also aided in the regeneration of the Ohio Valley Chapter this past year.