May 2025 Volume 7

INDUSTRY NEWS

session. The event concluded with a forward-looking closing keynote from futurist Jonathan Brill on the role of artificial intelligence in organizational structures. FIA sincerely thanks sponsors Cottingham & Butler, Ellwood Quality Steels, ESTES, Finkl Steel, FRISA, Nucor, SMS group, and Weber Metals for their support of this year’s event. The next FIA Annual Meeting of Members will be held at The Boulders in Scottsdale, Arizona April 29-May 1, 2026.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winners 2025

Thomas G. Getz, Moline Forge Thomas G. Getz (1927–2012) had a distinguished career as both a leader in the forging industry and a committed community servant. He served as President and CEO of Moline Forge from 1963 to 2012, after initially joining

Dennis Potter, HHI Forgings, Inc. Dennis Potter is a respected figure in the forging industry and a key player in the success of HHI Forgings, Inc. Alongside his partners, Dennis co-founded Impact Forge Group in the mid-1980s, transforming a small hammer shop into a thriving multi-million-dollar corporation. Under his leadership, the company expanded to four plants across

the company as Director of Finance in 1957. Throughout his tenure, Tom was instrumental in the growth and success of the company, and he was deeply involved in the Forging Industry Association (FIA). He served on the FIA Board of Directors from 1968 to 1973, including roles as Vice President in 1971 and President from 1971 to 1973. In recognition of his contributions, Tom received multiple FIA awards, including a membership growth award in 1973 and a 50-year service award in 2006. Born on October 17, 1927, in Moline, Illinois, Tom was the ninth of ten children. He graduated from Amherst College in 1950 and served as an Ensign in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War. His ship, the USCGC Bering Strait, carried out missions in the North Pacific. Tom’s lifelong commitment to public service extended far beyond his professional career. He was a dedicated leader in numerous civic organizations, including the Two Rivers YMCA, where he was Board President, and the Boy Scouts of America, where he received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. He was also the first president of Quad City Arts and served on many other local boards, including the United Way, the Illinois Humanities Council, and Augustana College. Tom’s leadership and generosity earned him several honors, including the Distinguished Philanthropy Award from the National Society of Fund-Raising Executives and induction into the Junior Achievement's QC Business Hall of Fame. His contributions to both business and community have left a lasting impact on the Quad Cities region.

two states and employed over 500 associates. Dennis' ability to unite people and develop success in those around him played a significant role in Impact Forge Group’s growth. Throughout his career, Dennis demonstrated unwavering professionalism and integrity, even in the face of adversity. His leadership extended beyond the company, where he made a significant impact within the Forging Industry Association (FIA). He served two terms as a director, chaired the Public Policy Committee, and held the positions of Vice President and President in 2012/13. He was also a trustee on the Forging Industry Educational and Research Foundation (FIERF) board. Dennis was known for his passionate advocacy for the forging industry, whether in Washington D.C., local Chamber of Commerce meetings, or customer conferences, always ready to explain the value of forging. Dennis was a beacon of dedication and service. His personal approach to leadership stood out; he would visit each plant, greet associates by name, and ask about their families, creating a sense of community within the company. After Impact Forge Group was sold to HHI, Dennis continued to take on new challenges, showing his commitment to the industry's growth. Dennis Potter’s legacy is one of fostering success, creating opportunities, and giving back to the forging community. He enabled families to thrive, and his leadership helped Impact Forge Group become an iconic pillar in the industry.

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2025 73