The American Welding Society (www.aws.org) and the Welding Equipment Manufacturers Committee (WEMCO), a standing committee at AWS, are seeking nominations for the Sixth Annual Image of Welding Awards.

The awards are issued in seven categories and the winners will be announced at the Image of Welding Awards Ceremony during the FabTech International and AWS Welding Show on Oct. 6 through Oct. 8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have shown exemplary dedication to promoting the image of welding in their communities.

“Raising public awareness about welding is vital to establishing a positive image for the industry,” said Jim Horvath, chair of the AWS Image of Welding Subcommittee. “Every year, welding professionals triumph in inspiring young adults to join the field. Their passion helps to reverse negative and untrue industry stereotypes, such as unclean working environments and low salaries, which contribute to poor recruitment and the growing shortage of welders.”

Image of Welding Awards categories are as follows: Individual; Section (AWS local chapter); Large Business (200 or more employees); Small Business (less than 200 employees); Distributor (welding products); Educator; and Educational Facility. All individuals, organizations and groups may be nominated for multiple categories. Nominations will be judged by WEMCO, which is composed of executives of welding industry suppliers to promote the welding equipment market. Enhancing the image of welding as a critical industry is among their priority programs.

The deadline for submissions is June 15, 2008.

To nominate an individual, group or organization for an award, please send a written explanation of the nominee’s qualifications and contact information, along with your name, phone number, email and mailing address, to Adrienne Zalkind at azalkind@ aws.org or by postal mail to AWS Image of Welding Awards, 550 NW LeJeune Road, Miami, Florida, 33126. For questions and other requests, please call AWS toll-free at 800-443-9353.