Fab-Lite Incorporated has been selected as this year’s organizational recipient of the Charles E. Schoedel Outstanding Service Award in recognition of their longstanding support for the MRA. Accepting the award on their behalf tonight is company president Steve Paine. Fab Lite began in 1984 as Heavy Metal Company, originally located on Manistee Lake in the old Manisteel building, now the site of the Reith Riley plant. The company initially produced heavy plate weldments for JCB construction equipment before shifting to light sheet metal work for the office furniture industry, prompting the name change to Fab Lite. By 1995, the company built its current facility in the Manistee industrial park, adding a paint line to manufacture complete furniture products for prominent clients such as Herman Miller, Steelcase, and others. In 1997, Fab Lite launched Great Openings, which quickly became its largest customer, selling products to all 50 states and exporting globally. By 2018, the Manistee facility expanded to 80,000 square feet and employed over 80 people. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought significant challenges as remote work reduced the demand for office furniture. In 2023, Fab Lite's parent company, Metalworks, acquired Flairwood to expand into laminate manufacturing. Despite efforts to adapt, unfortunately Fab Lite is downsizing operations and will shift production to Ludington later this year. Fab Lite proudly produced in Manistee for 40 years, while Metalworks approaches its 60th anniversary in 2026, continuing the legacy of founder Bill Paine. Throughout its history, Fab Lite has been a steadfast supporter of the MRA. Evidence of this enduring partnership can even be found in the decades-old MRA jerseys proudly bearing the Fab Lite logo. Mr. Paine plans to continue this legacy of support through the Great Openings organization. A lifelong athlete, Steve has deep roots in Manistee. Moving to the area with his family in the 1960s, one of his earliest memories is riding his bike to the MRA office to sign up for Little League baseball. His passion for sports led him to play college baseball and join the Manistee Saints. The MRA is deeply grateful for Steve’s leadership and Fab Lite’s commitment to supporting local youth and recreation.