WIA Presents 2025 Ralph B. Baldwin Award of Excellence to Todd Phalen

PRESS RELEASE

Scottsdale, AZ – April 30, 2025 — The Wood Industry Association (WIA) honored Todd Phalen with the 2025 Ralph B. Baldwin Award of Excellence during the Wood Industry Conference (WIC) in Scottsdale, Arizona. The award was presented at WIA’s Annual Business Meeting and recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the woodworking industry.

Named in honor of longtime industry leader and past WMMA President Ralph B. Baldwin, the award celebrates exemplary service, leadership, and dedication to the wood machinery and manufacturing sector.

Phalen, Director of Sales at Black Bros. Co. (contracted exhibitor of IWF 2026) in Mendota, IL, has served the industry for decades. A member of the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA) since before joining its Board of Directors in 2018, he has held several key roles, including Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President. Notably, he played a central role in the successful formation of the Wood Industry Association (WIA), leading efforts to unify the association and driving member engagement.

Nominator Clay Coss, Marketing Manager at Black Bros. Co., praised Phalen’s leadership style:

“Todd is an exceptional communicator and listener, respected for his mentorship, industry insight, and selfless commitment to progress.”

Black Bros. Co. President Matthew Carroll echoed this sentiment, highlighting Phalen’s pivotal role in advancing the industry and energizing association leadership.

Phalen is also a ten-time participant at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) and a familiar presence at industry events. His customer-focused leadership has led Black Bros. Co. to record sales and product innovation since he assumed his role in 2000. Beyond the workplace, Phalen is an active civic leader in his Mendota, IL, community.

Evan Carroll, representing the company’s sixth generation of ownership, concluded:

“Todd is widely respected as a mentor, connector, and advocate—an exceptional leader in every sense. We are honored to have Todd be such an integral and successful member of Black Brothers Company and the Wood Industry Association.”

WIA is proud to recognize Todd Phalen with its highest honor for his unwavering commitment, influence, and leadership in the woodworking industry.

About the Wood Industry Association (WIA): The mission of the Wood Industry Association (WIA) is to improve management operations, marketing programs, sales techniques, merchandising, and distribution functions of those engaged in the domestic or foreign manufacture of woodworking machinery and ancillary equipment and/or the sale of such equipment in North America

WIA Contact: Fred Stringfellow, Chief Executive Officer | (443)-640-1052 | fred@woodindustry.org

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