US materials handling professionals recognised with awards

News Story
- 23 Oct 2025 ( #1253 ) - Tuscon, AZ, United States
1 min read
Jim Vandegrift recognised with MHEFI award
Jim Vandegrift recognised with MHEFI award

Five US materials handling professionals have been recognised with awards at the MHI’s annual conference held in Tucson recently.

The Material Handling Education Foundation (MHEFI), MHI’s independent charitable organisation to support and retain talent in the materials handling sector, presented three awards.

Sal Fateen, CEO of Seizmic, Inc, received the 2024 Norman L Cahners Industry Award.

Gregg Goodner, board member of Hytrol, was honoured with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award which recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary, long-term contributions to the materials handling industry.

The MHEFI Exceptional Contribution Award, which recognises professionals who have made significant impact on the materials handling industry, was bestowed on Jim Vandegrift, the retiring president of R&M Material Handling.

Katie Hall, a marketing specialist with Fives Intralogistics, received the Outstanding Young Professional Award from MHI’s Young Professional Network.

The Marketing Professionals (Mpro) community - a dedicated marketing professionals group within MHI - recognised Joe Pelej, the director of marketing for Matthews Automation, with its Outstanding Marketer award.

The 2025 MHI Annual Conference, held last week, featured keynotes, educational sessions, MHI Industry Group meetings, and networking events.

Movers & Shakers
Movers & Shakers 18 Sep 2025 - 2 min read
IFOY Award winners named
IFOY Award winners named 10 Jul 2025 - Dortmund, Germany - 2 min read
Winners of 2025 MHI Innovation and Startup Awards announced
Winners of 2025 MHI Innovation and Startup Awards announced 27 Mar 2025 - Chicago, IL, United States - 1 min read
Previously about:
Briefs News Story - 29 May 2025 - 2 min read
MHI donates to talent pipeline News Story - 9 Jan 2025 - Charlotte, NC, United States - 1 min read
New board members for MHEFI News Story - 26 Oct 2017 - Charlotte, NC, United States - 1 min read
Women in Industry Conference to be held in November News Story - 9 Oct 2025 - Rosemont, IL, United States - 1 min read
ProMat 2025 proves to be the biggest in its history News Story - 27 Mar 2025 - Chicago, IL, United States - 1 min read
Winners of 2025 MHI Innovation and Startup Awards announced News Story - 27 Mar 2025 - Chicago, IL, United States - 1 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here

PREMIUM business

Noblelift
Global leader and manufacturer of high quality electric, lithium-ion, and IC material handling equipment.

“The team is incredibly supportive, friendly, and responsive — making the process of advertising straightforward and effective. We’ve appreciated their proactive communication and industry insight and look forward to growing our presence further with their platform...” - Nicole Rimensberger, Head of Marketing, maxwell+spark

Read the full testimonial & more industry messages ♥ here.

To learn what we can do for your marketing [download our latest MEDIA KIT]

Words of support …

Thanks to advertising with Forkliftaction, we have received inquiries and more and more people are aware of Ningbo Ruyi Joint Stock Co.,Ltd, which fits with our company's goal to go global and let the world know more about the benefits of our Xilin brand.

Michille Shi, Vice General Manager Sales

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

“The team is incredibly supportive, friendly, and responsive — making the process of advertising straightforward and effective. We’ve appreciated their proactive communication and industry insight and look forward to growing our presence further with their platform...” - Nicole Rimensberger, Head of Marketing, maxwell+spark

Read the full testimonial & more industry messages ♥ here.

To learn what we can do for your marketing [download our latest MEDIA KIT]

PREMIUM business

Noblelift
Global leader and manufacturer of high quality electric, lithium-ion, and IC material handling equipment.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

“The team is incredibly supportive, friendly, and responsive — making the process of advertising straightforward and effective. We’ve appreciated their proactive communication and industry insight and look forward to growing our presence further with their platform...” - Nicole Rimensberger, Head of Marketing, maxwell+spark

Read the full testimonial & more industry messages ♥ here.

To learn what we can do for your marketing [download our latest MEDIA KIT]

PREMIUM business

Noblelift
Global leader and manufacturer of high quality electric, lithium-ion, and IC material handling equipment.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET