May 2025 Volume 7

FOUNDATION NEWS

FIERF CHILDREN'S BOOK 'FORGING WITH FREDDY' WINS 2025 TRENDY AWARD

About the Salute to Association Excellence For over four decades, the Salute to Association Excellence has honored the best and brightest professionals within the association industry. Hosted by Association TRENDS and CEO Update, the event highlights those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and innovation. The annual gathering brings together top executives, industry professionals, and key stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations shaping the future of associations. The event recognizes outstanding association leaders through a variety of honors, including Association CEO of the Year, Association Partner of the Year, Young & Aspiring Professionals, and Leading Lobbyists. The communications-focused TRENDY Awards, a highlight of the event, showcase the most creative and impactful marketing and communication pieces in the association and nonprofit sectors. About the TRENDY Awards The TRENDY Awards are designed to highlight excellence in association and nonprofit marketing and communications. Winning a TRENDY Award is a mark of distinction, showcasing an organization’s ability to create innovative, compelling, and effective communication materials. The selection committee, composed of industry experts, evaluates entries based on creativity, effectiveness, and overall impact. The competition is fierce, with numerous associations submitting their most distinguished work in various categories. FIERF’s Forging with Freddy stood out for its ability to engage young audiences while effectively communicating the importance of forging, a critical industry in manufacturing and engineering. The book’s vibrant illustrations, engaging storytelling, and educational value made it a top contender for the honor. About Forging with Freddy The Forging Industry Association (FIA) and Forging Foundation (FIERF) have published a series of children’s books about the forging industry. The first two books in the series are entitled Forging with Freddy and Forging with Freddy: Safety First . Forging with Freddy was created with the purpose of educating children about manufacturing, and more specifically, the forging process. Through the series, young readers are introduced to the fascinating world of metal shaping, the importance of forging in everyday life, and the role of skilled professionals in the industry.

The Forging Industry Educational and Research Foundation (FIERF) is proud to announce that its children's book, Forging with Freddy , has been named a winner of a Bronze 2025 Trendy Award. The accolade was presented during the annual Salute to Association Excellence event, hosted by Association TRENDS and CEO Update, celebrating the most outstanding contributions in the association industry. Angela Gibian, interim president and CEO of the Forging Industry Association (FIA) and the author of Forging with Freddy , was in attendance on March 13, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Washington D.C. to accept the award on behalf of FIERF. The book, which aims to introduce children to the world of forging and manufacturing in an engaging and educational way, was recognized as a standout piece in association communications and marketing. “Receiving a Trendy Award for Forging with Freddy is an incredible honor,” said Gibian. “This book represents our commitment to inspiring the next generation to explore the world of forging and manufacturing. We are thrilled that our work is being recognized on such a prestigious stage.”

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