"Melissa S. Kelly-McCabe

Wins 2001 Modernization

Forum Award for Contributions

to Manufacturing Extension"

"Melissa is, quite frankly, phenomenal. To our benefit, she has focused her skills and energy on us here in North Carolina. We are an incredibly better center for it."

Congratulations, Melissa!

Eleven individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the manufacturing extension community during the 2001 Modernization Forum Awards Luncheon on November 6, 2001. The Modernization Forum Awards Luncheon was part of the 2001 Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Conference, which drew 800 attendees to Cincinnati, Ohio.

The 2001 Champion - Member Award was presented to Melissa S. Kelly-McCabe of the TDC. The Champion - Member Award recognizes outstanding advocates of the manufacturing extension mission in the role of a ModForum MEP Center member.

Melissa S. Kelly-McCabe wins 2001 Champion Award at

Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Conference.

Ms. Kelly-McCabe helped to transform the TDC to a high performance MEP center. She has also made major contributions to the national system as an organizational and program change agent at the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) MEP headquarters. "Melissa provides vision, enthusiasm and tireless energy to every task she has undertaken at the TDC and beyond. Her consulting skills consistently earn exemplary ratings for both impact and customer satisfaction with clients in the WNY region," said Bob Martin, President of the TDC.

Terri Helminger, Executive Director of the North Carolina Industrial Extension Service adds, "Melissa is, quite frankly, phenomenal. To our benefit, she has focused her skills and energy on us here in North Carolina. We are an incredibly better center for it."

The Modernization Forum serves as the association for the U.S. manufacturing extension community. The Modernization Forum's mission is to ensure the success of US manufacturing firms by assisting the members of the manufacturing extension community. Forum members are nonprofit organizations that work to improve the productivity and performance of the country's small and mid-sized manufacturers and thereby enhance US economic competitiveness.

Each year manufacturing extension practitioners from across the country gather to focus on common challenges, learn new techniques, share current practices, and network with their peers and allies. This year, over 800 professionals nationwide participated in the conference held November 4-7 in Cincinnati, OH. The winners of the 2001 Modernization Forum Awards competed against 43 other individuals in nine different categories or subcategories.