Mid-West Fastener Association

?? Enhance Your Fastener Knowledge with Hands-On Training! ?? The MWFA Essentials of Heat Treating and Plating class is back! This intermediate-level course is a great follow-up to our Fascination with Fasteners class, offering a deeper dive into heat treatment and plating processes. Taught at two world-class facilities, this hands-on training covers essential topics, including: ? Metallurgy Fundamentals ? Heat Treatment for Fasteners ? Electroplating (Zinc, Zinc-Nickel, and more!) ? Passivation of Stainless Steel ? Black Oxide & Zinc Phosphate ? Automotive Finishes & Post Treatments ? Hydrogen Embrittlement & Baking of Parts …and much more! ?? When: Thursday, April 24, 2025 ?? Where: SWD Inc. & Morgan Ohare, Addison, IL ? Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Lunch included!) ?? Fee: $200 MWFA Members | $300 Non-Members This industry is all about the details—and understanding these processes firsthand can help you better serve your customers and grow your business! Don’t miss this opportunity to see the processes in action and learn from industry experts. ?? Register today! Secure your spot and gain the knowledge that sets you apart in the fastener industry. Link to register: https://lnkd.in/eAbeYrN3 #MWFA #FastenerIndustry #HeatTreating #Plating #Manufacturing #ProfessionalDevelopment #HandsOnTraining #Metallurgy #FascinationWithFasteners Jill Lewis George Hunt III, MBA, CFS Matthew Delawder Jake Davis, CFS Glen Brin Cory Wing Sam Lang Ignacy Paprocki Robert Baer, CPA, CFS David Gawlik Jeff Kempka

What a night! ??? Thank you to everyone who came out to last night’s Nuts & Brews Meetup at Puttshack! From networking and mini golf to great conversations and cold drinks, this was a night to remember. It’s always great to connect with fellow industry pros in a fun, casual setting—because business gets even better when there’s a little friendly competition involved! We’re already looking forward to the next one! #Networking #FastenerIndustry #MWFA #Put tshack #NutsAndBrews #IndustryConnections #MiniGolfAndMingling

?? Raise a Glass at MWFA’s Taste of Da Vine! ?? Get ready for a night of flavor, discovery, and great company at the Mid-West Fastener Association’s Taste of Da Vine! This exclusive wine tasting event promises a world-class selection of wines, expert insights, and a lively atmosphere perfect for networking and unwinding. ?? Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025 ?? Location: Venuti’s Banquets – Addison, IL ? Time: 6:00 PM ?? Explore Wines from Around the World From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the legendary estates of Napa Valley, this tasting will feature an exceptional lineup of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines. ?? What’s in Store? ? Expert-Led Tastings – Learn the nuances of wine tasting and pairing ??? Perfectly Paired Bites – Savor delicious accompaniments to each sip ?? Great Conversations – Connect with industry peers ?? A Celebration of Craft & Community – Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just exploring, there’s something for everyone! ?? Cost: $75 for MWFA Members | $100 for Non-Members (Includes wine & bites) ?? Spots are limited—secure yours today! Register now at www.mwfa.net ?? Join us for a night of great wine, great food, and even better company! ???? #MWFA #TasteOfDaVine #WineTasting #Networking #FastenerIndustry Register here: Jill Lewis George Hunt III, MBA, CFS Matthew Delawder Jake Davis, CFS Glen Brin Cory Wing Sam Lang Ignacy Paprocki Robert Baer, CPA, CFS David Gawlik Jeff Kempka

?? New Member Monday! ?? Join us in welcoming Valley Fastener Group LLC to the MWFA! ?? Since 1976, Valley Fastener has been engineering the highest-performing fasteners for industries across the board—automotive, military & defense, energy, heavy equipment, and more. With a customer-first mindset, their three facilities in Aurora (IL), Elyria (OH), and Naperville (IL) are dedicated to providing top-tier custom application engineering, expanded testing services, and expert consultation for complex fastening needs. Backed by decades of industry experience and forward-thinking innovation, Valley Fastener is a trusted partner for businesses seeking high-quality fasteners and rivets. We’re excited to have them as part of the MWFA community! Welcome, Valley Fastener Group! ?? For more info, visit https://lnkd.in/ef5MNQn #MWFA #NewMemberMonday #FastenerIndustry #ValleyFastener #Manufacturing #Engineering Jill Lewis George Hunt III, MBA, CFS Matthew Delawder Jake Davis, CFS Glen Brin Cory Wing Sam Lang Ignacy Paprocki Robert Baer, CPA, CFS David Gawlik Jeff Kempka

?? Friendly Reminder! ?? ?? 1st Quarter Nuts & Brews Meet-Up is Almost Here! ???? Join us Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6 PM at PuttShack Oak Brook for a night of networking, fun, and a little friendly competition! ??? No registration needed—just swing by, connect with fellow industry pros, and enjoy a round of high-tech putt-putt! ???♂??? ?? PuttShack Oak Brook ?? 1828 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523 See you there! ????

?? Reminder for MWFA Members! ?? Fastener Fair USA 2025 is just a couple of months away! ????? Don’t forget that MWFA members have access to an exclusive discount code (MWFAFFUSA) for complimentary show entrance—but time is running out to take advantage of this great opportunity. ?? Event Dates: May 28-29, 2025 ?? Location: Music City Center, Nashville, TN ?? Co-Located With: Aluminum USA ?? Register Now: Registration (fastenerfairusa.com) ?? Why Attend? ? Free access to the exhibit hall, activation areas, and theater presentations ? Hands-on experiences like the NASCAR Simulator & Testing Lab ? Fastening 101 training by the Fastener Training Institute (FTI) ? Connect with top industry professionals and suppliers ?? MWFA Members – Let’s Show Up Strong! If you haven’t already, make sure to register today and share this opportunity with your team. Tag your colleagues below who should join us in Nashville! ?? #MWFA #FastenerFairUSA #Networking #FastenerIndustry

?? New Member Monday! ?? We’re excited to welcome Setko Fasteners to the Mid-West Fastener Association! ?? With a commitment to providing high-quality fasteners and exceptional service, Setko Fasteners is a trusted supplier in the industry. Their expertise in industrial and commercial fastener solutions makes them a valuable addition to our growing network. Join us in welcoming Setko Fasteners to the MWFA community! We look forward to seeing them at upcoming events and working together to strengthen the fastener industry. ?? Learn more about them: https://lnkd.in/gJyFwTKc #MWFA #NewMemberMonday #Fasteners #Welcome #SetkoFasteners #IndustryConnections Jill Lewis George Hunt III, MBA, CFS Matthew Delawder Jake Davis, CFS Glen Brin Sam Lang Ignacy Paprocki Cory Wing Robert Baer, CPA, CFS David Gawlik Jeff Kempka

???? 1st Quarter Nuts & Brews Meet-Up! ??? Join us on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6 PM at PuttShack Oak Brook for a night of networking, fun, and friendly competition! No need to register—just show up, connect with fellow industry pros, and enjoy a round of tech-infused putt-putt. ???♂??? ?? PuttShack Oak Brook 1828 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523 See you there! ?? #NutsAndBrews #MWFA #Networking #PuttPuttFun Jill Lewis George Hunt III, MBA, CFS Matthew Delawder Jake Davis, CFS Glen Brin Cory Wing Robert Baer, CPA, CFS Sam Lang Ignacy Paprocki David Gawlik Jeff Kempka

?? Two Weeks Away! Don't Miss Out! ?? Our Fascination with Fasteners class is just TWO WEEKS away! ??♂??? Don't miss your chance to gain valuable industry knowledge and hands-on learning from top experts. ?? Time is running out—register now before registration closes! ?? Secure your spot today: https://lnkd.in/eaFKXAtG #FastenerTraining #MWFA #FascinationWithFasteners #FastenerEducation #RegisterNow Jill Lewis George Hunt III, MBA, CFS Matthew DelawderJake Davis, CFS Glen Brin Cory Wing Sam Lang Robert Baer, CPA, CFS David Gawlik Jeff Kempka

SAVE THE DATE, Tough Nutters Are Back !?? ? After a year away, the fastener industries Tough Nutters are returning to kick off FSTNR WEEK with the most epic Tough Mudder? 5K event yet! ? ?? ARE YOU READY? ?? Get ready to run, crawl, climb, and conquer alongside your fastener industry peers on August 23rd in Rockford, IL. This adrenaline-packed adventure isn’t just about getting muddy—it’s about teamwork, triumph, and bragging rights that last all year! ??? WHAT TO EXPECT: ?? Pre-Race Toast – Because every great battle starts with a proper send-off. ?? The Race – A 5K packed with 12+ obstacles designed to challenge but more importantly to unite. ?? Epic Post-Race Tailgate – Legendary eats, cold drinks, and plenty of “Did you see that? and “Can’t believe we did that!” moments. ??? Lunch & Fellowship – Swapping war stories over great food with great people. ?? Exclusive Swag – Snag your famous Tough Nutters 2025 Finisher’s ? Zip featuring the exclusive 2025 Tough Nutters Logo (sold separately—details coming soon!). ?? Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 ?? Location: Rockford, IL – Rockford International Airport Grounds ?? Cost: $75 per person (includes race registration, Tough Nutters team tee,?ironCLAD gloves, tailgate party, and lunch)? ? Start Time: 10:00 AM ?? Worried about the obstacles? No sweat (well… actually, lots of sweat and mud). Skip what you need, crush what you can, and lean on your team—we start together, and we finish together. No one gets left behind! ?? Need help Training? We got your back! Recommendations to follow registration for training, clothing, shoes, & race day gear. ? READY TO GET MUDDY? RSVP to any one of our leaders: ?? Bob Baer – [email protected] ?? George Hunt – [email protected] ?? Bobby Wegner – [email protected] ?? Jake Davis – [email protected] We’ll send you the registration link and all the details. ? Want a peak, https://lnkd.in/dYG-CDae?The 5K event is ours to Conquer! Let’s make this the biggest Fastener Mud Event yet! Don't forget to like and share this post! See you in the mud! Robert Baer, CPA, CFS Jake Davis, CFS Bobby Wegner George Hunt III, MBA, CFS Jill Lewis