Special Report: Chiricosta Wins Form Fit & Function Award / FSTNR Week '24

Fastener Fair USA show manager and fastener friend Mr. Bob Chiricosta of RX Expositions is the winner of this year’s Form Fit & Function Award, presented by the Naperville Fastener Association (the most non-exclusive of all the fastener associations). PLUS: Bob “GQ” Baer and Jake “Valdez” Davis preview this year’s FSTNR Week ’24.

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Special Report: Chiricosta Wins Form Fit & Function Award / FSTNR Week ’24

Eric Dudas here with you. A quick update episode. I don’t know if this qualifies as a special report or not. We’re going to call it a quick update. There was a headline that’s a follow-up to a recent episode that involves the Naperville Fastener Association. Actually, it was just the last episode 202. In that episode, Marty Nolan mentioned they’re getting ready for the Form Fit and Function Award. Bob “GQ” Baer and Jake Davis is here with me. We got big news, don’t we, from the Naperville Fastener Association?

Bob Chiricosta Of Reed Exhibitions Wins The Form Fit And Function Award

Indeed. We do. The 2024 selection has been made. It’s been posted out there on social media. I’m happy to repeat that news on the radio show. Mr. Bob Chiricosta of Reed Exhibitions, also known as Fastener Fair USA, is going to be the recipient of our 2024 award. That’s posted out there on social media. It’s on Twitter. It’s on the fairly new Naperville Fastener Association, unofficial LinkedIn page. Please get out there. Take a look at it, like it, repost it. We’re very excited about it. Bob’s been a big supporter of the industry. Not only in the last year, but the past few years.

This is great. We got a two-parter here. We’ve got the Bob Chiricosta, Form Fit and Function Award Winner headline. Secondarily, the new NFA LinkedIn page finally. That comes also with a moniker, which GH3 was behind most of that. What’s the moniker?

It’s very interesting. It went back and forth. There were a lot of good suggestions thrown out that came my way. I had to more or less figure out what exactly we are going to call this and how we’re going to put it together. The moniker is made up of a little bit of everybody’s suggestion. What we’ve decided here was that there’s a tagline. “It’s a non-exclusive social networking caucus for the industrial fastener industry.” That’s very serious.

The deliberative process of the fastener industry results in another moniker. I’m going to boil that down to the, “fastener industry’s most non-exclusive fastener association.”

That sounds like a lot of vowels in that one, Eric.

Speaking of all those vowels, we’re going to be talking about the week with no vowels in just a second. As long as I got you guys here, you don’t mind reduxing FSTNR Week coming up pretty soon, do you?

Not at all. We’d love to.

Somehow, I figured that was true.

Before we jump into that, Eric, let me just say this because that sounded very official. We are almost anything but. The description on the LinkedIn page for Naperville Fastener is, “A non-exclusive social networking caucus for the industrial fastener industry. Membership predicated on meeting attendance, alcohol consumption, and information sharing.” That should sum it up. Come to a meeting, have a beer. Talk a little bit about the industry. You are a member of this infamous fastener association.

Come to a meeting, have a beer, and talk a little bit about the industry. You are a member of this infamous fastener association. Share on X

It was bound to happen sooner or later. We’ve got it. How many years in and we’re semi-official?

2014, I believe.

A ten-year anniversary. Congratulations, guys.

We’re going to have to get with Marty to come out with a special mug on that. Mr. Chiricosta is quite proud of this, I’m sure. We’ll see him at the event. We’ve got a presentation ceremony planned for some time. We’ll hear about that in just a minute. Congratulations to you, Bob Chiricosta. You’ve done yeoman service for the fastener industry while you’ve been working on Fastener Fair USA. That particular events come a long way. A lot of people have a lot of good things to say about that. Your efforts have caught our attention. Welcome to the NFA, Sir.

Congratulations to Bob.

He’s had, as a lot of people know, some personal battles. It looks like he’s come out on the other side of that. He’s hopefully stronger than ever. He’s announced his retirement recently. He’s going to be with RX for the remainder of the year. He said he’s going to be with us in Nashville at Fastener Fair ‘25. That’ll be cool, but good choice guys.

We’re excited about it. He’s worked through the Fastener Industry Coalition to work with all of the associations and with a very generous program. It’s well deserved. We’re excited that he’ll be here in Chicago in order to personally get that award. There you go.

Once again, that’s going to happen during FSTNR Week. Jake “Valdez” Davis, you’re the president of the MWFA, the host of FSTNR Week. We had you and Francesca Lewis on episode 201 to give the full summary of this thing. I’m sure things are tightening up. You want to run down the line-up real quick guys?

Fastener Week Unofficial Start: 5K Distillery Race On Saturday, August 7th

Eric, I just appreciate getting on. I wanted to update everybody that just Tuesday, July 30th, 2024, we had a Board meeting. FSTNR Week only just covered everything that we could talk about and got it all in. I’m thankful for the Board. As we’ve done in the past, as you guys know, you’re veterans of this. You’re Rugged Nut veterans. We do have an unofficial start to our FSTNR Week.

This 2024, we’ve talked about it a couple of times. We had to pivot. Bobby Wegner with Beacon has done a fantastic job alongside Bob and George putting this together. We’re pulling off a 5K race on Saturday, August 17th, 2024. That’s going to be in Skokie. We’ve got about 30 participants that are going to join.

The plan is to show up around 9:30 AM in Skokie, have a little pre-game stretch, a little pre-game toast. The 5K will start at 11:00 AM. From there, the motto “Start together, finish together” stays intact. We’ll finish together or hang out. It is a Distillery 5K. There are some opportunities to partake and maybe sample some spirits once you cross the finish line.

I can’t think of any better way to celebrate your completion of a 5K than to throw back a shot of whiskey or something. Looking forward to that. As we’ve done in the past, after our mud races, we’ve got lunch scheduled just a few miles away. We’ll all head over there. Enjoy some food and some fellowship. See how long that goes on Saturday.

Fully Threaded Radio | Form Fit & Function — Form Fit & Function: I can’t think of any better way to celebrate completing a 5K than to throw back a shot of whiskey or something.

It’s a great opportunity to get together. As I said, the Rugged Maniac threw us a little bit of a curve ball. The guys did a great job of getting in where we’ve got some new members of the Rugged Nut team. We’re excited about introducing that on that particular day too. I would encourage anybody if they’re still interested, there are still slots available to sign up for the race.

Did one of you guys call Bob Chiricosta on this and invite him?

I’m going to let Bob do that being in the Selection Committee.

Great idea. I’m going to guess that he probably won’t be in town on Saturday yet. While we’re on the topic of the Rugged Nuts getting out there doing a 5K and downing a couple of cocktails on this Distillery Run. We’d like to take a minute here and thank the sponsors because our team will be looking good again in our fashionable bling, which is only made possible by our supporters and our sponsors.

I’d like to just thank those. We’ve got Star Stainless, IronClad, Carver Labs, Zehnder Management Group, Integrated Packaging, Parker Fasteners, BTM, ISSCO, Beacon Fastener, Brighton-Best, and last but not least, Abbott Interfast. Thanks again. You guys make it possible for us to go out there and look like a team as we get through this race or jog or walk. Whichever way it’s going to go, you never know, together as a group. Once again, thanks for all the sponsorships. Appreciate it.

Thank you guys. We couldn’t do it without your guys’ support. Those guys worked hard on finding some great swag and the race shirts. We’re excited to share that with everybody.

By the way, I’m sorry, Jake. Brikksen as well is a sponsor on that list. They were out of order here, so I missed it. I don’t want to miss that, but put them on the list as well. Thanks for their sponsorship.

I know TJ’s joining us as well. He’s an alumnus of the Rugged Nuts.

TJ’s definitely a tough nutter all the way. Glad to have Brikksen on board. Whatever happens, the race is going to be great, so is the after lunch, the party, and everything. We can’t stay out too late because we got to get up and work hard the next day. We got a big event on Sunday.

MWFA And Sleep In Heavenly Peace Third Bed Build On Sunday, August 18th

This is all about pacing ourselves. We’re blessed to be partnering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace again for Sunday, August 18th. We’ve got our 3rd Bed Build schedule. Excited to be having Scott and Lisa from KC come in and help. I know Tim from the chapter with Kinky. He’s going to come up for that. That is going to be at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort.

To give everybody an update where we’re at, fundraising-wise. As of August 2nd, we’re at $16,950, which is just under 68 beds. Our goal as an association was $25,000 with 100 beds. We’ve got around just under 70 volunteers, which is a good number. I would encourage people if you’re available that Sunday, even if it’s maybe for an hour or two or for the entire time it takes, to sign up.

If you’re unable to make it, feel free to donate. Talk to your company about donating. It’s one of the most satisfying, gratifying days that the industry does. It’s just a great day with all of your fastener friends. I’m thrilled to be able to do it. We’re very excited to be able to have it on site at the Marriott Lincolnshire.

Talk to your company about donating. It’s one of the most satisfying and gratifying days in the industry. Share on X

That makes a lot of sense logistically. My guess is that, as an association, we’re going to go over that target. It’s such a generous group and such a worthwhile cause. On that subject, Jake, did that check hit your mailbox yet? The one from the NFBA?

No, I don’t think so yet, but I’ll keep my eyes out.

The National Fastener Barbecue Association?

Not yet. I’ve got my people on it.

We did raise some funds during the summer barbecue event. That’ll be coming your way soon. Who knows? Maybe that’ll put us over the top.

Let’s hope so.

That’s Sunday. The next day, Monday is a big day because we have to get into full fastener garb and suit up. get ready to do some business the fastener way. What’s on tap?

Monday, we’ve got plant tours that we’re excited about. Some of these are new and some are stalwarts that have every year or open up their companies. I would encourage those people that either if you’re local or coming in town to make plans, you can go sign up for all of these. The four companies are Big Bolt, which is opening its doors for the first time in a long time. We’re thrilled for that and just very excited for people to have that opportunity.

SWD, Matt does a great job with that tour. Morgan Ohare and then XL Screw, which is right there in Lincolnshire. It’s going to be open Monday, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Everybody can go to MWFA.net and click on events and register for all of those. If you’re able and willing, I would encourage you. It’s a great opportunity to get around, meet people as well, but also see the inside, how the sausage is made, so to speak.

Those plant tours are always good to do. Even if you’re already a veteran of those, it’s great to connect with people while you’re walking through. You always see something new. What we should have mentioned again, to re-emphasize the date on that. That is August 19th, 2024. That’s right around the corner. We’re going to drop this episode just about two weeks ahead of time. If you’re hearing this, plenty of time to get out there, but don’t miss it.

Welcome Mixer And Form Fit Function Award Presentation Moved To Monday Night, August 19th

Bob is going to take the welcome mixer. We’ve moved that from Thursday to Monday night. I’m excited about that little change in the schedule. Partnering with the NFA, the Naperville Fastener Association, which we’ve already talked about and excited to have them there again.

Traditionally, Monday night has been the Naperville Fastener get together in Naperville at Empire Burger Bar. This time, we’ve combined it with the mixer because everybody will be out at Lincolnshire. It makes a lot of sense to do it right there. The mixer is a great event for FSTNR Week. A lot of people miss it because it’s on Thursday. It’s a long week. They’re trying to get out of town.

Naperville Fastener Association had a discussion with the Board of MWFA. We put the two together and it should make for a great event. We will be presenting the Form Fit Function Award to Bob Chiricosta during the event. It’s going to be on a first come, first serve basis. We have traditionally given out a commemorative drinking utensil, I’ll call it.

Anywhere from a beer mug to this time, we’re actually doing a bourbon glass. Those will be distributed out to people who arrive at the mixer. We’re going to consider anybody who comes to the mixer, has a cocktail and talks a little bit about fasteners or the industry or just about anything. You will become a member of our wonderful social association. That’ll be Monday night in Lincolnshire. It’s called Wright’s Brew and Bistro. It’s the bar right there in the hotel.

It’s about as non-exclusive as they come.

The membership is going to skyrocket, it sounds like.

I don’t know who’s keeping track of it, but it’s going to be a pretty big task at this point. That’ll be Monday night, so we’ll have a great time.

Registration is not an issue, so that’s the good part. No red tape.

Moving on to Tuesday, the 20th of August.

42nd Annual Tabletop Show And Fastener Bash

Tuesday morning starts strong. We’ve got Sean and Darlene Collis with Solutions. Sean is back. He’s got a Fastener Failure Seminar running Tuesday morning. That’s going to run 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Marriott, Lincolnshire, of course. We have something we’re continuing to work on. Maybe more information will be shared with the audience when this drop. I don’t want to go into that.

We’re excited about its first-time-ever event that we’re going to be partnering with Fully Threaded Radio. That’ll be probably for the exhibitors 11:45 AM to about 12:30 PM to 12:45 PM at the latest. We roll into our 42nd Annual Tabletop Show that runs from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Just thrilled with the amount of exhibitors we have, completely full show, and encourage those distributors near and far to come. Have an opportunity to catch up and say hi to your suppliers, and look for some new ones as well.

Folks who have attended the MWFA Tabletop know that this is the pre-eminent tabletop in the industry. The MWFA itself is known as the best dressed of all the fastener associations. Jake, you know this, but there’s a theme, isn’t there? Does that carry into the tabletop or is that only for after?

You’ll see a little bit of crossover. I don’t know if anybody might. We’ll start at 1:00 PM with the game in Fastener Bash attire. We roll into the Fastener Bash from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the show floor. That’s basically, be creative. You could probably wear a Bears jersey.

We’re not limiting it to anything. It’s basically “game on.” Share on X

That coming from a Kansas City guy. I’m falling on my chair, Jake.

I just wanted to put it out there. I thought there might be some Taylor Swift jerseys. An opportunity to do all kinds of different sports themes. I know the committee’s worked on a great job to have a great time. As we just wind down from what we know will be a very active and all-consuming show. That runs from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. With any Fastener Bash, there’ll be orders and drinks being served. Be creative. If you want to, we are going to have a costume contest. Mum’s the word on mine. We’ll prevail.

To be clear, the theme is Super Sports Fan, right?

It’s “Game on,” so what’s your favorite team? What’s your favorite sport? Even with the Olympics going on, just be creative. We’re not limiting it to anything. It’s basically “Game on.” We don’t want to tell people what to wear. Some people are going to wear a football jersey or a baseball. George could repeat his wrestling outfit from 2023 for that matter. It’s just “Game on,” a sports theme. It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s going to be a diverse clothing attire event.

Looking forward to that. There is always a good time.

71st Golf Outing Full At Cranes Landing

Wrapping up on Wednesday, we’ve got our 71st Golf Outing. The Board was talking at our meeting, we’re full. We’ve got a waiting list out there for a few foursomes. Extremely blessed for the support. We’re going to be right there at Crane’s Landing at the Marriott Lincolnshire where we were in 2023. Praying and hoping, just a tad bit cooler. It’s August, so you never know. We’re excited to get out there and end a stellar week with our fastener family and chase a little white ball around.

The golf outing, a couple of things are going to be a little different about it. The dinner is going to be fantastic. I understand that we upgraded from 2023. I’m going to encourage those people that are signed up for the golf outing. A lot of them disperse when the rounds are over and the prizes are given out. hang around. It’s going to be a fantastic dinner due to the fantastic sponsorship that we’ve received. Correct me if I’m wrong, Jake. There’s a contest on just about every single hole one way or another.

All the way from longest drive to worst drive to closest to the pin. First shot, second shot, longest putt. There are great opportunities for anybody, not just the rich cavodos of the world, to win a prize. That aspect of it, not all of us put in as many golf holes as Rich does every week, but you got a shot.

We know where you’re going with that. Folks, don’t worry if you’re at the very bottom of the pack. Fully Threaded’s got you covered with the warm 30 pack of Bosch Light, the Fully Threaded FTR Award. The suspense is building for who’s going to take that home, guys. I can sense it.

It’s sought-after. Every year people are asking about it. “Are they sucking this year?” “They’re actually playing better. Perfect.”

You guys always do a good job at picking the winner for that one. If we want to call it the winner. It’s Jake “Valdez” Davis and Bob “GQ” Baer. We’ve been speaking of the MWFA 2024 FSTNR Week happening. MWFA.net is the website to get all the details on this. We hope that we’ll see you there. Anything else we need to jam in here guys? This was going to be a quick report. I’m glad that we had a chance to redux all this. It’s going to be a great week. We sure do want to plug it and get as many folks out there as possible.

There is one more thing close to my heart as a Board member of a Fastener Training Institute. One of our partners during this week, they have been for years, is Fastener Training Institute. They are presenting their Certified Fastener Specialist Program in conjunction with FSTNR Week. That’ll be held right at Marriott-Lincolnshire this 2024.

They will be on the premises. That runs from Monday through Friday, the entire week. They have a pretty good class roster going, but there’s still openings. It’s not too late. Again, that information as well, you can find it out on MWFA.net website as well as Fastener Training Institute’s website. We welcome Jo Morris and John Wachman and the instructors for the week. We like to try to get those students involved, get them out to the mixer, and mix them up with the industry veterans. That’ll be happening all week.

Education by firehose and networking “by firehose.” Just throw them into a tabletop show and a welcome mixer. As CFSers, we all know the importance of this class and support it. We’re always happy to have FTI back with us for that week. They’re crucial for the ongoing education for our industry and just honored to have them back every year. Go sign up if you can.

Episode Wrap-Up

That’s excellent. Thanks, Bob, for not letting us miss that. Great addition to FSTNR Week and a great addition to your career if you’re not already a CFS. Get out there and take advantage of all this stuff, folks. Jake “Valdez” Davis, Bob “GQ” Baer, you’re with the MWFA a long time. You do a lot for the industry. Everybody thanks you, I thank you. Thanks for being here. We’ll see you out there in Chicago, guys.

Eric, appreciate it. We’ll see you in a few weeks.

See you there. Looking forward to it.

Thanks for clicking into this one, folks. Again, the headline, Mr. Bob Chiricosta of RX takes the Form Fit and Function Award of the Naperville Fastener Association, the most non-exclusive of all the fastener associations. See you in Chicago.