The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) recently introduced the Pam O’Toole Trusdale Woman in Manufacturing Award.
The new honor, set to debut in February 2020, will go to a woman in the light- and medium-duty trailer industry who demonstrates excellence in their role—on the manufacturing floor, in the C-Suite or anywhere in between—and contributes to the success of their organization and/or industry.
The award is named after Trusdale, who served as NATM’s executive director from 1998 to 2018. Under her leadership, NATM flourished and expanded beyond what the founders envisioned. Membership numbers grew nearly 250%, and NATM established the Compliance Verification Program, the association said.
In surveying the current manufacturing landscape, the Manufacturing Institute, a subsidiary of the National Association of Manufacturers, determined that while women totaled 47% of the national workforce in 2016, the manufacturing workforce was only comprised of 29% women.
A key to best tapping into this talent pool is to begin recognizing women in the industry, celebrating their accomplishments and contributions, and thereby celebrating female representation in a field many women may not have previously considered, NATM said.
Research has indicated workforce diversity improves a company’s opportunities for success and growth. Diversity has been proven to increase innovation and creativity, while also helping to retain employees amongst many other benefits. So NATM, through the Woman in Manufacturing Award and its other diversity initiatives, intends to support efforts to close the skills gap, tap into previously underutilized populations, and support women in manufacturing.
To nominate a woman who has demonstrated excellence in their role and made a significant impact for their organization or the industry, contact NATM Executive Director Kendra Ansley at [email protected].