The Metal Construction Association (MCA) presented its Patrick R. Bush Service Award to David Stermer and its Larry A. Swaney Award to James (Jim) Bush in appreciation for their service to the association and the metal construction industry. The winners were announced on January 21 during MCA’s annual winter meeting in Cape Coral, Fla.
The Patrick R. Bush Award recognizes an individual from an MCA member company who has made a significant volunteer contribution to the Metal Construction Association. It was established to honor Patrick R. Bush, an influential, long-serving MCA board member.
This year’s recipient is David Stermer, who currently serves as the secretary of the MCA’s executive committee. Stermer is also director of engineering at Metal Sales Manufacturing Corp. He has served on the association’s board since 2014.
MCA chair Chandler Barden said Stermer is “always going above and beyond” in his work with the organization. In addition to playing a “pivotal role” in furthering MCA’s technical standards and codes, Barden said he has helped “foster a positive and inclusive environment.”
Addressing those in attendance, Stermer said his most memorable project with MCA was helping to develop its edge metal standard. However, he said the friendships he has forged throughout the years are memorable. He noted seeing the names of all the previous recipients of this award, was a “humbling and honoring” ‘moment.
The Larry A. Swaney Award is bestowed upon an outstanding industry professional for their contributions to the success of the association and the betterment of the metal construction industry.
This year’s honoree, James (Jim) Bush, was described as a “pillar of the industry” by Barden. In addition to serving on the board, including a stint as chair, Bush has been a member of numerous committees, including roofing, retrofit, and nominations. Barden noted his dedication to the MCA is “commendable,” and he often finds himself “looking for my shoulder to hear input from Jim.” Bush is a long-time employee with ATAS International and became a member of the Metal Construction News Hall of Fame in 2014.
Bush noted that working with the MCA takes “a lot of time and dedication” and thanked his family. “They deserve recognition for allowing me the time,”’ he remarked. He implored the “new generation”’ to step up and continue to help the association to continue to push the industry forward.
Past MCA service award recipients can be seen here: https://metalconstruction.org/index.php/events/other-awards.