At the American Architectural Manufacturers Association 82nd Annual Conference, the AAMA board of directors voted unanimously to designate former association leader Kim Flanary as an AAMA Honorary Member. Flanary, who passed away in November, is now the 14th person in the association's history to receive honorary membership. The last member to be honored in this way was Bill Deuschle, who retired from Kawneer in 2016.
"Kim is more than deserving of the distinction," says Ray Garries, vice president of engineering and innovation, MI Windows and Doors, one of the AAMA members who nominated Flanary for honorary membership status. "His impact on AAMA over many years, his strong leadership and his commitment to the industry qualifies him. He exemplified a great trade association leader by studying to understand the varied markets and manufacturers. He then, not only helped his own company, but helped all the manufacturers build better products, and helped consumers buy with confidence."
Honorary membership is given only to exemplary members who have held multiple leadership positions in AAMA, have demonstrated continuous participation in AAMA for 20 years or more and who have retired from the industry having shown exceptional dedication to the association.
"I had the privilege of knowing and working with Kim through AAMA since 2009," says Joe Hayden, principal engineer, Pella Corp., another AAMA member who nominated Flanary. "He was the epitome of a gentleman in every sense of the word. He was always positive, upbeat, courteous and always had a smile on his face. I honestly never heard him say a bad word about anyone. I wish I could have known him longer, but I consider myself blessed to have had him for a friend and colleague."
