- 06 February 2006 -
Metal Finishing Congratulates 2006 People of the Year

Well, it's that time of the year again. No, I'm not referring to the post-holiday, back-to-reality wake-up call when shoppers recoup from their holiday spending binges and business owners and consumers alike grudgingly prep for tax season. What I’m talking about is that annual occasion when Metal Finishing magazine announces the winners of its annual People of the Year (POY) Awards, a program that recognizes two individuals for their respective contributions and impact on the industry. This year's honors go to Tony Alcaro, president of Alcaro & Alcaro Plating in Montclair, N.J., and Paul Fisher, president, Southern Metal Finishing, Rutherfordton, N.C.

In Alcaro's case, several POY Awards committee members (an independent board comprised mostly of suppliers, manufacturers, and principals of key industry associations) cited his efforts and leadership role in supporting the formation of the National Association for Surface Finishing. "Tony's leadership and hard work were very instrumental in assuring the NASF became a reality," said one committee member. "He was a tireless worker in facilitating discussion and assisting in negotiating resolution of key issues that were stumbling blocks as the three associations were exploring how to work together in the most efficient and best coordinated manner possible."

Alcaro's track record of involvement in various associations and organizations speaks to his dedication to the industry. He has been a member of the National Association of Metal Finishers for more than 27 years, and he also served an eight-year stint on the board of the Masters Association of Metal Finishers (including two years as its president). On top of that, Alcaro serves as the current president of the Garden State Chapter of the American Electroplaters and Surfaces Finishers Society.

Southern Metal Finishing's Fisher received the nod from several committee members for similar reasons. In particular, they cited his efforts on behalf of AESF factions leading up to the association consolidation—more specifically, his determination in keeping those issues closest to AESF's heart at the forefront of the merger discussions. This entailed, among other things, hopscotching around the country, speaking at both national and regional meetings and forums. And he’ll be the first one to admit that many discussions and interactions leading up to the vote to consolidate were oftentimes contentious. But at the end of day, Fisher—like many of those who expressed diverging viewpoints about the merger—believes that the best way forward is to embrace cooperation for the betterment of the industry at large. "I'm sincerely flattered," Fisher said, reflecting on his nomination. He said he has every intention of following through on his promise to help ease the transition ahead by supporting AESF’s reconstruction efforts.

For more on the winners, see the "2006 POY" feature in the February 2007 issue. As well, look for coverage of the actual award presentations in a future issue of Metal Finishing. In the meantime, start thinking ahead about someone you might deem worthy of the POY honor for 2007. Who knows, maybe we’ll call on you to serve on future nominating committees