ETI FOUNDER'S AWARD
2020 18th ETI Founder's Award
BILL EERNISSE
Bill Eernisse was posthumously awarded the 18th ETI Founder’s Award in 2020. Bill’s career included working for Bear Automotive Equipment and Rotary Lifts. Even though he was high level management, he was “the nicest guy you’d ever want to meet”. Over the years he volunteered for the institute often. Bill was highly respected by all for his kindness, honesty, and sincerity. He was a long-time member and president of ETI. Passionate about the equipment industry, friends with just about everyone, and an example of human integrity if there ever was one.
2016 17th ETI Founder's Award
JOHN WIEDEMANN
John Wiedemann, ETI Past President, was awarded ETI’s 17th Founder’s award in 2016. John was elected to ETI’s Board of Directors in 1998 and in 2008 was elected to the position of President of ETI’s Board of Directors. During his tenure as President, his goal at ETI was to help turn challenges into opportunities for our members. With this objective in mind, there were three areas he focused to help make this happen: value, collaboration, and engagement. During his presidency, John brought his vision to life and contributed immensely to furthering ETI. Since his retirement, John remained very active with ETI, as a member of both the marketing and program committees. John’s passion for the industry, the institute, and his ability to lead with integrity makes him an outstanding model of getting out of the institute what you put into it. John is one of the most deserving recipients of the Founder’s Award
2010 16th ETI Founder's Award
GREG POTTER
Greg Potter, of Dearborn Group was awarded ETI’s 16th Founder’s award in 2010. Greg has held almost all of the officer positions ETI has to offer. In 2004 he was ETI’s President and has been very active as a past president attending many Marketing, Program, Vertical Group and Board meetings. Before that he was Technical Director as well as the Chairman of the Underhood Technology Group. He has attended almost every Tech Week since he started volunteering in 1996. He has attended more Japan Tech Weeks (held in Japan) than just about anyone. Always ready to volunteer in any capacity, he is well deserving of this award.
PAST AWARDEES
- 2007: Yoshifumi Uneme, Mazda Motor Corporation
- 2004: Keith Kreft
- 2001: Gary A. McGonegal, Car-O-Liner Company
- 1998: Charles G. Gorman, Snap-on Diagnostics
- 1996: Raymond A. Bollman, Chrysler Corporation
- 1996: Gary A. Clickard, Ford Motor Company
- 1996: Daniel J. Murray, Formerly employed by General Motors Corporation
- 1996: Jeffrey N. Silver, I-CAR
- 1996: Russell W.H. Bailey, Robinair/SPX Corporation
- 1994: James M. Wanberg, OTC/SPX Corporation
- 1991: John P. Kushnerick, Motor Publications
- 1989: William J. Hogan, Gray Automotive Products Company
- 1989: Eugene V. Allen, Black & Decker (posthumous)
- 1987: D. I. “Jack” Doyle, Jr., Doyle Corporation
- 1985: H. P. “Pete” De Green, Hunter Engineering Company
