Thursday, November 30, 2023 / News ASA Central Region Awards First Scholarship Each year, the ASA CENTRAL region sponsors a scholarship program that is available for current and potentially future employees. Three (3) scholarships of $3,000 each are awarded at the end of the application process, typically in December and May. The scholarships are sent directly to the program/institution within two weeks of when the scholarship is awarded.This past month, the ASA CENTRAL Regional Advisory Council, made up of volunteers within ASA member distributors, manufacturers, and manufacturers’ representative companies throughout the Central region, has approved the first scholarship award of $3,000 to Maeve Hogg, a senior-year college student majoring in business administration at the University of Kansas. While working at Hague Water Filter Co., as a water conditioner installer and her time at Ace Hardware, Maeve learned the nuances of plumbing, practical skills of home improvement, and appreciation for customer-centric service. With this scholarship she will be able to further her education and prepare herself to make a significant impact on the plumbing industry.An excerpt from Maeve’s scholarship essay:“Traditionally, this field has been underserved by female professionals, and this gender imbalance limits the industry’s potential for innovation and growth. The industry could use more females who can bring diverse perspectives, creative problem-solving and a commitment to excellence. I firmly believe that my unique background and experiences in those fields position me as a strong candidate for this scholarship.”Bradley Wiedeman of Reeves–Wiedeman Co., and incoming 2024 vice chairman for the ASA CENTRAL Regional Advisory Council, was the ASA member to sign off on the submission of the application, a requirement needed to submit the application for review.His response to the news of Maeve being awarded the $3,000 scholarship:“I was very excited to introduce Maeve to the scholarship because she has always been very interested in my job and our industry. From my perspective, the ASA CENTRAL scholarship acts as proof to young professionals and future leaders, like Maeve, that our industry has the resources, people and opportunities for a remarkably fulfilling career and life. Reeves-Wiedeman Company being able to point her in the direction of the scholarship, made me feel like we were providing something tangible to make her feel like this was the industry for her! In her young career, she sees the opportunities in our industry to be a vibrant and young female leader and inspire other young women to do the same. These are very impressive and thoughtful goals! Her goals very closely reflect Reeves-Wiedeman’s values as a business. At RW, we seek to lead and inspire our customers and the people around us as our business continues to grow and develop! For this reason, it was obviously a no-brainer to endorse and support Maeve as a candidate for this scholarship. Very happy for Maeve and her well-deserved scholarship.”There are two more scholarships available to be awarded, and it’s not too late to submit applicants.ASA members within the ASA CENTRAL region can utilize this scholarship by;1. Recruiting new employees, having an incentive to work for an ASA member;2. Retain employees, use as an additional bonus opportunity; and3. Rewarding current employees by assisting them with repaying college loans.The deadline for the application must be received no later than Dec. 8, 2023 to be considered.If you would like to be considered for the application or learn more about this opportunity, please reach out to ASA Director of Membership Vincenzo Dal Pozzo at vdalpozzo@asa.net or at 630.467.0000, ext. 1216 for more details.As a regional affiliate of ASA, ASA CENTRAL delivers additional member benefits and supplies a local network of PHCP-PVF industry partners throughout the central region, which as announced during the ASA Board of Directors meeting in Orlando in November, encompasses more than 12 states stretching from Texas to Colorado and north to North Dakota and Minnesota. Details on the first ASA CENTRAL Summit, to be held in June 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri, are forthcoming. Print