Celebrating 100 years - 151

the 1990s. Today, Porinchak is editor of
AWCI's Construction Dimensions and
AWCI's director of communications.
Steven A. Etkin. Steven A. Etkin, AWCI
executive vice president and CEO, took office
in 1995. Immediately prior to AWCI, he
ran a consulting firm advising construction
information services companies. At the
American Institute of Architects, Etkin was
responsible for its national convention and
trade exposition, Masterspec, AIA Online
and the industry's first digital contracts
and forms service. When he took office in
1995, AWCI had 800 members and assets
of $400,000. In two years, membership
grew to 1,000 and assets had ballooned to
$1.5 million.

RECAP

AWCI began the 1990s barely in the black.
A Recovery Plan solicited funds from members, paying 10 percent for their money. The
loans were repaid after the Alexandria, Va.,
office building was sold. There was also a
changing of the guard. In his 37 years as
AWCI's executive director, Joe Baker Jr. had
united plasterers and drywallers and developed opportunities for members in firestop,
EIFS and metal framing. Steve Etkin arrived
and saw an opportunity to build out AWCI's
publishing efforts, educational programs and
technical expertise. The association resolved
its money problems during the decade, but
new-and terrifying-tests lay just ahead.

Grabber Celebrates
50 Years of Growth
and Innovation
Fifty years ago, drywall was hung primarily
using galvanized nails and a hammer. In
1967 Grabber introduced the drywall screw
to the construction industry changing the
drywall hanging industry forever. In 1995,
Grabber introduced its SuperDrive collated
fastening system, a revolutionary time saving
technology that has now become an industry trend. Grabber has grown to
become an international company representing thousands of professional-grade products to the construction industry.
Known as The Professional's Choice, Grabber strives to make the jobs
of contractors everywhere easier, productive, and profitable. Grabber is the
premier brand for materials used by contractors specializing in walls and
ceilings for residential and commercial buildings. Through strong alliances
with manufacturers and suppliers, a loyal customer base, strong dealer organization and superb sales and customer service staff, Grabber takes pride in
solving contractor problems with innovative solutions. Grabber has become a
predominant supplier for construction and finishing systems, and other significant products with a reputation for providing high quality, professionalgrade fasteners.
Grabber is well established in the walls and ceilings industry and a lifetime
active member of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry. This
relationship has helped establish a strong base with drywall and acoustical
contractors. Grabber is dedicated to providing the best, most technologically
advanced construction products available today. Customers rely on the quality and performance of Grabber products. The Grabber brand represents the
finest when it comes to quality, value, dependability, reliability, durability,
and product selection.
Roland Snyder
President & CEO

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Celebrating 100 years