During its Women In Industry 2019 Spring Conference held in San Diego April 30 – May 2, American Supply Association (ASA) bestowed its first annual Alice A. Martin Woman of the Year Award to Ashley Martin, vice president of sales and officer of the board of directors of NIBCO. Ashley is the daughter of the Alice, and carries on her spirt of advancing women’s rights and opportunities within the workplace.

Alice A. Martin inspired the creation of the industry award. Alice was actively involved in NIBCO and served in a variety of positions, with the last being chief revenue officer from 2015 until her passing in 2017. She served on the board of directors for NIBCO since 2000, and served as the vice chairman of the board since 2002, lead director of the board from 2003-2005 and chief people officer from 2005-2015. In addition to being an industry leader and guide, Alice was an avid supporter of giving back to the community through numerous philanthropic arms, focusing on women and children. As a champion for women’s rights, she was an advocate for women in industry and advancing personal success, making her an inspiration to the Women In Industry division during its formation. To celebrate Alice’s spirit and drive, the award was created to honor a woman who promotes women in the industry, provides mentoring and community service, and makes significant contributions within her field.

In 2013, ASA established the Woman In Industry division to set the course to recognize the impact of women in the workforce and provide networking and educational opportunities for success. During its development phase, Ashley Martin (NIBCO) and Katie Poehling (First Supply Group) were drivers to bring the group to fruition. Both women co-chaired the group during its initial development and helped bring it into the established go-to women’s groups within the PHCP-PVF industry. 

Poehling, unable to attend the Women In Industry event, presented the award to Ashley Martin via video and had conference attendees giving a rousing standing ovation when Ashley took the stage. As the inaugural winner, Ashley was overwhelmed by the honor and gave a brief speech which ended, “My Mom – My mentor and advisor. This is dedicated to you and to all of us.” 

ASA is a national industry trade association representing distributors and their manufacturers and manufacturer representative agencies serving the PHCP and PVF channel.  

For more information please visit www.asa.net.