Industry News

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) announced the 2016 winners of its annual awards during the association's 90th Annual Membership Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Roger Daugherty of Baldor Electric Company, a member of ABB Group and James Wright of Siemens Industry received the Kite and Key Award; Reliance Controls Corporation received the Business Innovation Council (BIC) Illuminations Award; and Christopher Curtis of Schneider Electric accepted NEMA's highest honor, the Bernard H. Falk Award.

The Kite and Key Award recognizes industry leaders whose pioneering innovations epitomize the best in codes, standards, and advocacy. A consulting engineer in the Advanced Development Technology Group for Baldor Electric Company, Roger Daugherty, PhD, is passionate about motor standards. Since 1984, he has served on numerous committees, subcommittees, and working groups within the NEMA Motor and Generator Section.

"Roger's strong presence representing the electric motor industry in technical and government circles helped not only to strengthen the motor industry positions but also to raise the status of NEMA as a global authority for motor issues and policies," said Daniel Delaney, current chair of the Motor and Generator Section.

Jim Wright, the other Kite and Key Award recipient, has tirelessly participated in standards development for industrial control equipment for more than 50 years. As manager for standards and certification within the Siemens Digital Factory Control Products business, Mr. Wright has been active in the development and use of standards for industrial control equipment for electromechanical and solid-state products.

"Jim is a true guiding force in the electroindustry," said Brian Carlson, Eaton vice president of engineering and chairman of the NEMA Industrial Automation Controls Products and Systems Section. "He is passionate about codes and standards and has worked tirelessly to bring global standardization closer to reality."

Reliance Controls Corporation, a family-owned business since 1909 and recipient of the 2016 Illuminations Award, is a leader in electrical manufacturing innovation. The company has demonstrated success in entrepreneurism and advanced technology in manufacturing automatic transfer switch equipment. Founder Benjamin Franklin Flegel's motto, "If there's a problem, fix it!" launched more than a century of innovation, resulting in landmark advancements in manual transfer switches, time switches, and accessories technology. In addition to maintaining active involvement in NEMA activities, the company holds more than 85 patents and sells thousands of products nationwide, including more than 500 different kinds of transfer switch kits that help families and businesses survive power failures.

Finally, at the conclusion of NEMA's 90th Annual Membership Meeting, Christopher Curtis accepted the Bernard H. Falk Award, NEMA's highest honor. The award recognizes individuals with outstanding achievements in technology, management, public affairs, and other fields important to the electroindustry. Mr. Curtis, currently CEO of Wencor Group, was a member of the NEMA Board of Governors from 2008 to 2014 and chaired the board in 2014–2015.

NEMA President and CEO Kevin Cosgriff described his colleague as one who "exemplifies honor, commitment, dedication, and great character, and is a steadfast supporter of the electroindustry."

​According to Michael Pessina, co-chief executive officer and president of Lutron Electronics Company, Inc., and incoming chairman of the NEMA Board of Governors, Mr. Curtis demonstrates a unique leadership style: "Chris not only has the ability to understand strategy, he never forgets about the different parties and influencers involved and makes sure we get the best solution for everyone."