Each year, the Mold Making and Mold Design Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers looks for award recipients for its two awards: Mold Maker of the Year and Mold Designer of the Year. Potential recipients are solicited through the division's newsletter, ballots, trade publications, etc. This year, the division is requesting your assistance to put forth qualified candidates.

The awards are sponsored by DME and Progressive Components respectively. Recipients are awarded $500.00, which will be donated on their behalf to a technical school of their choice. The following information briefly outlines the criteria for the awards:

Candidates for Nomination:

• Is or was a Mold Maker/Mold Designer
• Has made a contribution to the industry
• Is active in trade societies, training and in establishing industry policies, etc.
• Has strong technical experience
• Has a reputation for conducting business in a fair and honest manner
• Does not have to be an SPE member
• A brief biography should also be forwarded about the candidate detailing his/her accomplishments

The 2006 Mold Designer of the Year is Elias Joseph of Stackteck. Ealias Joseph has over 25 years of innovative mold design experience in Automotive, closure and packaging applications. He began in automotive product mold design in 1980 with Asko Mold and Tool after graduating from Ryerson with Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering. In 1986 he moved to Unique Mold Makers specializing in closure molds. He has been involved in many innovative designs and patents such and along Unique Mold Makers, became part of StackTeck systems in 1999. He has written and presented several technical papers at Tech forums and at ANTEC conferences.

The 2006 Mold Maker of the Year is Steve Hoare , Owner and Manager of Pyramid Mold of Ontario, California. Steve has been an active supporter of the mold making industry in the region. Having rebuilt his company from the ground up during the lean years, this individual is a shining
example of what American Mold Making is all about. Mr. Steve Hoare is a bright spot in the California business scape and should be contacted for insight into our industry.