John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award

The John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award honors any individual in the MROP channel for their longstanding service in the industrial supply industry. Qualified candidates have made significant contributions to the success of the industry and/or their community, and have earned the respect of their associates and peers.

Nominations Now Open for 2025

The John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding individuals within the MROP channel for their remarkable, long-term service to the industrial supply industry. This prestigious award is presented to those who have dedicated years of their career to advancing the industry, demonstrating leadership, vision, and commitment. Honorees have made significant and lasting contributions, not only to the success of the industry but also to their communities. Through their work, they have inspired others, upheld the highest standards of professionalism, and earned the respect and admiration of their peers and colleagues. This award celebrates their enduring impact and the legacy they leave behind for future generations.

Applications are being accepted now through January 31, 2025 and will be announced at ISA25 in Nashville, TN.

Submit a Nomination

2024 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Tom Gale

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) proudly announced the recipient of its respected John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award during the ISA24 convention, held in Charlotte, NC from April 15-17, 2024.

This year, ISA is delighted to honor Tom Gale, CEO of Modern Distribution Management (MDM), renowned for his influential role as the longtime publisher of MDM and for his exceptional contributions to the industrial supply industry. Gale’s career within the industry has been marked by his commitment to excellence and innovation, earning him widespread recognition and admiration from industry professionals.

Past Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

2023: Craig Vogel

2022: Karl Weiler

2020: Jack Schron

2019: Alan Gilbert

2018: Phil Thompson

2017: Dan Judge

2016: Don Ruggles

2015: Kathleen Durbin

2014: Tim Tevens

To all ISA Members and ISA Atlanta 2020 Attendees,

After continuous monitoring of the evolving situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and much deliberation, the Industrial Supply Association (ISA) is announcing today that the ISA Board of Directors have voted to cancel ISA Atlanta 2020 scheduled to take place April 20-22 in Atlanta, Georgia. Everyone at ISA understands and appreciates the time, effort, and resources that you have put into preparing for this event. Like you, we have been working hard, and were looking forward to coming together to Engage, Learn and Lead.

This decision was made after careful review of the most recent facts from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), the Georgia Department of Public Health and other local authorities. Ultimately, the health, safety and well-being of our members, management team and the community at large led to this decision. Although difficult, as this decision comes at a significant cost to ISA which is a nonprofit, we know it’s the right thing to do.

With that in mind, it’s important to note that ISA is YOUR ASSOCIATION and ISA is OUR INDUSTRY. With over 118 years of history, our mission is to provide the strategies and tools to help companies remain relevant throughout industry change. This global pandemic, combined with the accelerating disruption we all are facing, demonstrates now more than ever the need for ISA to continue its pursuit of Leading the Channel Forward®.

The good news is that we have the financial strength to weather this storm. We plan to access our financial reserves to make that happen. These reserves are intended to protect ISA in times like this and for investing in value added programs that benefit ISA members and our industry.

With this decision, we are prepared to refund 100% of all registration, booth and sponsorship fees. However, recognizing the significant impact on our reserves, we are asking for your consideration in donating your registration, booth fees and/or sponsorships to the ISA Foundation, all or in part, at the level your organization is able to support. Foundation funds will only be used for education, research and/or scholarships and your organization will be recognized as a supporting patron of the Foundation helping ISA continue its mission critical purpose. Your donation will help continue the momentum and fuel the future of the Industrial MROP Channel. We recognize the magnitude of this ask, but if each company can help in some way, together, we will strengthen ISA, our community and industry overall.

In the coming weeks, a member of the ISA team will contact all ISA Atlanta 2020 participants to discuss refunds and or donations. Due to the large number of companies and attendees we ask for your patience as we begin this process. This is a priority and will be given the urgency it deserves.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone that has reached out with overwhelming support and positive feedback regarding the path and mission we are on. To all, please keep an eye out for upcoming announcements regarding the Lifetime Achievement Award, Innovation Impact Awards, Phase 2 Analytics for Distributor, Manufacturers and IMRs, Scholarships and so much more.

On behalf of the ISA Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your patience throughout this decision-making process and your commitment to your association – ISA.

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