A Legacy of Optimism and Strength

Last December, the American Mold Builders Association sadly announced the death of Jeanette Bradley, whose service to the industry as AMBA Executive Director spanned three decades and made the AMBA the national group dedicated exclusively to moldmakers.

She was battling Myelodysplasia, and underwent a bone marrow transplant last fall. She was 65 and is survived by her husband, Olav, and two sons, Tom and David. A third son, Scott, preceded her in death. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation be made in memory of Scott Bradley to Children’s Memorial Hospital Chicago, Hematology and Oncology Department.

Jeanette possessed great passion for the industry, which I felt immediately during our first meeting back in 1997, around the time we launched MoldMaking Technology. For the past 10 years, MoldMaking Technology and the AMBA, under her guidance, worked together on several projects to keep the industry motivated and informed.

The AMBA continues its mission with its annual convention this March 1-6, 2008, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (www.amba.org for more details) where the theme is Manufacturing in North America: Opportunity for All. The educational program features the following:

The China Threat, Peter Navarro, University of California-Irvine
U.S. Moldmaker Benchmarking Survey, Jeff Mengel, Plante Moran
Process Standardization and How Shops Become Lean, Bob Byers, Erowa
Hot Runner Panel: John Blundy, Incoe; Trevor Pruden, D-M-E; Bruce Catoen, Mold-Masters Ltd.
Non-Integrated Processes Put Profits at Risk, Ken Bassey, Consultant
Creating a Brighter Future for Your Employees, Karla Dobbeck, Certified PHR and Owner

In case you are unable to attend the AMBA convention, note that three of the topics in boldface also are covered in this issue and at our annual MoldMaking Expo. Bob Byers discusses standardizing before you automate (and will present this topic at MME); you’ll find a retrospective on hot runner technology, including some insight from Incoe, D-M-E and Mold-Masters; and Plante Moran will be the opening day Keynote Breakfast Session at MoldMaking Expo, April 23 in Novi, MI.

Coverage like this is only possible with the help of people like Jeanette Bradley—who will be sorely missed, but her fun-loving spirit and passion for the people who embody this industry will always be remembered—and all of you out there willing to go the extra mile to keep the moldmaking community motivated and informed. I am grateful to all of you for your friendships, contributions, stories, leads and advice. Keep ‘em coming!