The Executive Council of the American Supply Association’s Industrial Piping Division (IPD) recently announced Ernie Coutermarsh, senior vice president for industrial business development with Bedford, Mass.-based F. W. Webb Co., has been selected to receive the IPD Award of Excellence. The award will be presented to Coutermarsh during the IPD Breakfast sponsored by Anderson Metals Corp., on Thursday morning, Sept. 29, at NETWORK2016 in New York City.

The IPD Executive Council noted: “Ernie is well-known and respected by his colleagues and customers as an honorable partner and dedicated professional. After proudly serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he has done the same for his organization and the industrial PVF industry for nearly 50 years. Having held fast to his values — honesty, sincerity, loyalty — Ernie’s voice commands respect and his influence is unequaled. His applications of knowledge and exemplary leadership qualities have profoundly influenced decisions and actions that have propelled success for so many people and companies throughout the industry. Ernie Coutermarsh is the embodiment of a true statesman for our industry’s proud legacy.”

Upon the decision to select Coutermarsh as the recipient of the IPD Award of Excellence, Brian Tuohey, chairman of the IPD and president of The Collins Companies, stated: “Ernie is so highly regarded throughout his own organization and our industry and he certainly carries the gravitas that is required of a recipient of the IPD Award of Excellence. His willingness to share so much of his knowledge and expertise coupled with his influence within our industry has helped ASA and its Industrial Piping Division continue to grow and flourish as it does today.”

The IPD Award of Excellence was established in 2008 to honor a member of ASA’s Industrial Piping Division for achievement specifically related to the industrial and mechanical PVF segment of the PHCP-PVF industry. Criteria for this award include a record of significant accomplishment in the PVF industry with overall influence on the current status of the channel; a history of dedicated service to the IPD; an active participant in the division’s activities; a positive industry image as well as a positive impact on the industry overall.

IPD Award of Excellence winners

This award is not intended to be an annual award but is given at the discretion of the IPD Executive Council, which solicits nominations from ASA’s IPD members. The inaugural award was presented to Tim Arenberg of Columbia Pipe & Supply, Gary Cartright (ret.) of Piping & Equipment in 2009, Dr. Donald R. McNeeley, of Chicago Tube & Iron Co. in 2010, Morris R. Beschloss in 2011, John E. Martin of Anvil International in 2012, Patrick M. Adams of MKS Pipe & Valve Co. in 2013, and Robert Vick (ret.) of Industrial Valco in 2014.