The Spiral Duct Manufacturer’s Association (SPIDA) will be holding the first Annual Bill Bradford Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament on the Thursday ahead of their annual meeting in Austin, Texas. Bill, who passed away in January, was SNIPS’ first Industry Icon, a founding SPIDA member and DMI company Ductmate Industries’ first employee.

At the AHR Expo SPIDA meeting, the association announced they’d honor Bradford by fundraising an annual award in his name. This Outstanding Service Award gives the recipient $1,000. The winner will have a character that aligns with the nine words his family think best represents his legacy: hardworking, selfless, positive, patient, mentor, steadfast, respectful, and loyal with integrity.

Each member company of SPIDA can submit two names that best meet Bradford’s characteristics. Provide details why you think the individual deserves the award. The nominee can be anyone in their organization; from the shop floor to the executive office. Vendor representatives and fellow SPIDA member representatives are also eligible for nomination. Deadline for entry is March 31, 2023.

SPIDA 2023: Where

The 9-hole golf outing takes place Thursday afternoon, April 20th at the Jimmy Clay Golf Course in Austin, Texas. Player registration is $100 per person, register at spida.org/Austin.

Board member Robin Stegall of the Hamlin Companies said the event is open to all, including non-golf players and spouses. SPIDA will be arranging a group dinner following the tournament to recognize the award winner.

“You can nominate someone on your shop floor. It can be someone in your executive level. It can be a customer of yours. It can be a salesman of yours that you just feel like shows that unselfish desire to help you and your organization day in and day out,” Stegall said. “We're going to honor that person.”

Past SPIDA President Ryan Barnes of Sheet Metal Connectors said the event is “a fun activity that happens to be golf.” That’s why the golf outing is 9-holes.

"We don't want to be overly competitive. It's about getting together, playing with other members of SPIDA and honoring a fixture in SPIDA’s history," Barnes concluded.