Brian Plott, executive director of the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI), and Greg Potter, CTO, met with Nadine Eernisse and members of the Eernisse family, to present the ETI Founder’s Award posthumously to Bill Eernisse. Bill, who was known and loved throughout the industry, passed away earlier this year.

“His integrity and always happy demeanor made him many friends in the automotive aftermarket,” an ETI representative said. “His service to ETI as a member, a board member and past president illustrated his conviction and belief in the good things the Institute could provide to its members”  

According to ETI, Bill’s family was extremely grateful for the award and offered some heartfelt comments about the type of man that Bill was. “As we shared stories about Bill and many of the friends he left behind, it became very clear that Bill was a special soul and very deserving of the Founder’s Award.” 

Passing the Gavel

ETI Executive Director Brian Plott awarded Robert Vogt, the new president of the ETI Board of Directors, with his ceremonial gavel during a visit to IOSiX, where Vogt is the CEO.

“Robert is always proactively engaged with the team at ETI,” a representative said. “We appreciate his drive and concern for the Institute and wish him all the best of success in his new role, especially with the challenges we are facing this year.”

Kevin FitzPatrick, senior vice president at Opus IVS,  was installed as immediate past president and was awarded a special plaque to commemorate his year as president of ETI.

For more information on ETI, visit https://www.etools.org/.