November 2023 Volume 5

FOUNDATION NEWS

Established in 1961, the Forging Industry Educational and Research Foundation (FIERF) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Operating as a “supporting organization” to the Forging Industry Association (FIA), the Foundation’s mission is to support the forging industry through technology development and education. FIERF builds our future workforce by promoting our industry, awarding scholarships, identifying, and sharing employment opportunities and encouraging participation in forging research and projects. Over the last year, FIERF has started several new initiatives and programs. A primary focus for the foundation this year has been engaging with younger generations to expose them to careers in the forging industry. What’s New With the Forging Foundation

Forging with Freddy Children’s Books

Translations in Progress: FIA is currently working with representatives from member companies to translate the books for publication in both French and Spanish.

The Forging Industry Association (FIA) and Forging Foundation (FIERF) announced the publication of a series of children’s books about the forging industry. Written by Angela Gibian, Executive Director of FIERF, the first two books in the series are entitled “Forging with Freddy” and “Forging with Freddy: Safety First.” “Forging with Freddy” was published with the purpose of educating children on manufacturing, and more specifically, the forging process. The books were both illustrated by Kenny Kiernan, who has been working on children’s illustrations and characters for more than 20

Thank You Sponsors:

New FIA/FIERF Fundraising & Workforce Development Intern

years, including projects for mega-brands such as Hasbro, Mattel, Disney, Marvel, Funko, Spin Master, LEGO & Scholastic to small businesses, entrepreneurs, independent product developers and children's book self-publishers. His bright colors and unique character design make “Forging with Freddy” an eye-catching publication and exciting read for children. Since their publication, FIERF has sold more than 200 copies of the books, with the raised funds supporting the foundation’s education initiatives. The foundation has also distributed the books free of charge to multiple libraries and schools across North America, including institutions in the following cities:

FIERF has hired the foundation’s first Fundraising & Workforce Development Intern. Abiyah Yisrael started in her position on October 2, 2023. She is currently enrolled at Cleveland State University studying Non-Profit Administration at the Levin College of Urbain Affairs. She is set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Spring 2024.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to be an intern here at FIA and learn as much as I can! I am excited to get hands on experience about the fundraising process and the workforce development side of a non-profit,” said Abiyah. She was born in Long Beach, California and moved to Ohio when she was around six or seven. In her free time, you can find Abiyah going for a run or playing tennis. She also loves coffee and is always looking for new coffee shops to try. We are so happy to have Abiyah on the FIERF and FIA team and look forward to seeing what great things she can accomplish with this new role.

• Lakewood, OH • Cayuga, IN • Crystal Lake, IL • Fairview Park, OH

• Cleveland, OH • Westfield, NJ • Trenton, MI • Warren, MI

The foundation looks forward to continuing to increase the distribution of these books. The goal is to continue with this series of books and cover additional topics such as careers in the forging industry and more. For information on getting involved, or how to get a copy of these books into your local library or school system, please contact Angela Gibian at angela@forging.org or call 216-781-6260.

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2023 72