NiPDi Activities

NiPDi develops and participates in numerous activities that support, enhance and promote the painting and drywall finishing industry of northern Illinois. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Annual Golf Outings
Both the NiPDi Summer Golf Outing and the Central Illinois outing in September provide days of camaraderie for the entire industry. The events attract golfers from northern and central Illinois and features a shotgun start, scramble format, and ample food and refreshment. An important part of the Golf Outings are sponsorships, ranging from lunch, receptions and dinner to beverage carts and individual golf holes. Check out highlights from NiPDi's 2007 Golf Outing. Central Illinois NiPDi holds their Memorial Golf Outing in September in the Peoria-area.

Apprentice School
DC 30's JATF Apprentice School's goal is to develop a high quality workforce that, with the help of journeyman sponsors, will eventually be able to master the tools and crafts of this industry. With a strong emphasis on safety, courses cover topics from basic math and measures to understanding materials and color. The Contractors that serve as sponsors of Apprentices — who are employed while attending the school — are to be applauded for investing in the future of this industry. On October 26, 2007, 115 Graduates and 44 Sponsors were recognized. Also announced were the following Award Winners: for Perfect Attendance: Alberto Galarza, Jose C. Hernandez, and Hector Sahagun; receiving the Norm Hankes Award, Joe F. Alley; named Secretary/Treasurer, Mandy J. Howard; and for Apprentice of the Year, Rafal Goldyn.

College Scholarships
Each year, NiPDi awards the “Larry Nedrow NiPDi Scholarship” to promising students. The scholarship was established in 1991 in honor of the 1st Chairman and Founder of NiPDi, the late Larry Nedrow. Since it began, over 200 deserving students have been awarded Scholarships. Here are the 2008 Scholarship Recipients.

Publications
In May of 2007, NiPDi launched it's new magazine, Second Coat. This publication contains in-depth feature articles written by industry experts and covers important issues designed to help you manage your business. Several departments feature contributions and activities of NiPDi contractors and vendors. Your NiPDi Directory is published annually and contains the names, addresses and nature of business for all NiPDi contractors and industry vendors. The FCAI Bulletin regularly addresses an important industry concern each month, and also includes an update on national news from FCA and legal issues affecting contractors.

Social & Recreational Events
NiPDi works cooperatively with with the FCAI and PDCA to sponsor social and recreational events designed to bring NiPDi Contributors and Industry Vendors together for networking. These events include: a dinner-event, like the one held last April — 'Mobster in the Men's Room' — at which the audience had to solve a murder mystery, while enjoying a delicious dinner at St. Charles' Hotel Baker. Other past events have included lake cruises, baseball games, family picnics, tradeshows and casino outings.

FCAI Activities
NiPDi contractors are encouraged to attend Finishing Contractors Association of Illinois (FCAI) programs such as:

Monthly Dinner Meetings — held at a variety of locations, these meetings feature after-dinner speakers who present brief remarks on topics of interest including, safety, state legislation and efflorescence. In addition to the valuable information provided by industry experts, these gatherings offer unique networking opportunities for contractors and vendors.
Educational Programs & Seminars — professional development programs ranging from short product and safety demonstrations, to in-depth seminars on human resources, faux finishing, computer software, job estimating and motivational training.
Safety Training & Equipment Programs — Red Cross 1st Aid and CPR training and certification are offered regularly; in addition, safety videos, company safety programs, lead abatement seminars, and respiratory fit testing, offer contractors a convenient and economical way to comply with federal regulations.
Apprentice Training Support — NiPDi has assisted in the efforts of DC #30 JATF in its mission to provide capable, well-trained tradepersons for the industry,and has provided toolbags for the students, equipment for the School, funding for construction of new facilities and gifts for every class of graduating apprentices.