Six North Georgia craftsmen were honored as masters of their trade at a special program at Lanier Technical College Wednesday morning.
The 7th Annual Master Craftsmen Awards honored a residential builder, a machinist/toolmaker, an electrician, an HVAC technician and two finish tradespersons.
Carl Rogers, the Vice President of Economic Development for Lanier Tech, moderated the event and noted that the late Gus Whalen was the visionary who designed the series of events to honor master craftsmen, teachers, nurses and entrepreneurs.
"[The honorees] go through a committee process," Rogers said. "They're craftsmen - and craftswomen - who do good work and we're glad to have them here today."
Rogers said paying tribute to men and women who work with their hands allows the community to see how valuable such trades are.
"Today there's a huge shortage...of all tradespeople whether it's manufacturing or carpentry or plumbing," Rogers said, noting that Lanier Tech is tasked with educating and training future tradespeople.
The 2018 Master Craftsmen who were honored at the Wednesday ceremony were:
- Luis Azpieta - machinist
- Jon Canada - residential builder
- Pam England and Tamara Lewis - finish tradeswomen (owners of Chic & Shabby)
- Tommy Hawks - HVAC technician
- Steve Paul -electrician
