William J. Bernard Jr., Surface® Combustion Inc. President and CEO, was presented with ASM International’s prestigious 2013 Distinguished Life Membership Award by Dr. Gernant E. Maurer, 2012-2013 president of ASM International, at the Materials Science & Technology (MS&T) Conference in Montreal. The award was bestowed “in recognition for unwavering dedication to the advancement of the metallurgical/heat-treating industry and exemplary leadership, vision and professional service supporting industry organizations and professional societies.” The award was established in 1954 to recognize industry leaders who have dedicated themselves to the advancement of the materials industries. Past recipients include Thomas Watson Jr., chairman, International Business Machines; Edward Cole, president, General Motors; and Soichiro Honda, chairman, Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

In addition to Bernard’s recognition by ASM, he was selected as a finalist for the Ohio Chapter of The International Entrepreneur’s (TiE Ohio) 2013 Global Entrepreneur Award. The award recognizes an Ohio-based entrepreneur whose company has developed a global presence and is helping to reshape and rebuild Ohio’s business landscape. Each nominee was evaluated on seven criteria, including entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, personal integrity, financial performance, strategic direction, market impact and social responsibility.