SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Wood Industry Association (WIA) is taking nominations for the group's highest honor, the 2026 Ralph B. Baldwin Award of Excellence. 

Presented at WIA’s Annual Business Meeting, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the woodworking industry. Named in honor of longtime industry leader and past WMMA President Ralph B. Baldwin, the award celebrates exemplary service, leadership, and dedication to the wood machinery and manufacturing sector. 

Last year's winner was Todd Phalen, director of sales at Black Bros. Co. in Mendota, Illinois, has served the industry for decades.

Eligibility

• Each member company may submit one nomination.
• You may nominate an individual with your own company or with another firm, but only one nomination per ballot.
• The individual nominated may be currently active in the industry, retired, deceased, or with a different company than when their significant contribution was made.
• Multiple submissions for a candidate are allowed and encouraged. Please do not assume that the candidate of your choice has already been nominated. Nominations for any one individual by more than one Member Company may increase that individual’s opportunity to be selected.

Entry criteria

The four categories for consideration are:

1. Contributions to WIA - offices and committee posts held (either in WIA, WMIA, or WMMA), special programs conducted, contributions to the growth and well-being of the Association, etc.
2. Contributions to the Industry – participation in research projects, International Woodworking Fair activities, improving the image of the machine industry, outstanding liaison with customers, etc.
3. Contributions to the individual’s own company – product development, marketing efforts, management and leadership, innovations, etc.
4. Other contributions – local government, civic or charitable activities.
    

The mission of the Wood Industry Association (WIA) is to improve management operations, marketing programs, sales techniques, merchandising, and distribution functions of those engaged in the domestic or foreign manufacture of woodworking machinery and ancillary equipment and/or the sale of such equipment in North America.

To nominate a candidate, fill out the 2026 Baldwin Award of Excellence Nomination Form.