The South Regions Minority Business Council (SRMBC) presented its 2008 Crystal Award for CEO/Executive of the Year to Bill Stevens, president and CEO of Motion Industries in Birmingham, Ala. The Crystal Award recognizes the CEO, president or senior-level executive of a corporation or government entity that is a current member of the SRMBC. Criteria include evidence of support for a corporate-wide minority business development program through an executive directive and/or policy statement, participating with NMSDC or other national organization that promotes minority business development and executive participation in SRMBC through workshops, events and/or conferences.

Kaman Industrial Technologies has received a five-year contract under Schedule 51V, Hardware Superstore, with the General Services Administration Center for facilities maintenance and hardware. "We are pleased to be able to expand our products and expertise to U.S. federal agencies," says John Kronenwetter, director of corporate sales. The contract runs through May 2013 and has provisions for three five-year option periods.

MSC Industrial Direct has issued its 2008 motor catalog with new brands, product categories and twice as many product SKUs as its 2006 catalog. The distributor expanded the interchange section of the catalog. This reference tool helps customers determine the MSC products they can use as replacements.