The DRMA is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees has awarded Honorary Membership to Rick Little in recognition of his contributions and dedication both to the DRMA and to the Dayton Region’s manufacturing community.
Honorary Membership is the DRMA’s highest award. Candidates must have been employed by member companies for at least 10 years, in the manufacturing industry for at least 15 years, and provided outstanding service to both the manufacturing industry and the DRMA. Honorary Memberships are a dues-free and a life-long award.
Rick Little has spent his entire adult life in the Dayton manufacturing community, receiving his initial training as a member of the first graduating class of the Miami Valley CTC, where he has the honor of being inducted into the MVCTC Hall of Fame. He began his career immediately upon graduation working for various local machine shops. He eventually joined Starwin Industries in May 1983, where he worked for 37 years, with the last 15 years as Starwin’s president. Under Rick’s leadership, Starwin Industries manufactured complex parts for the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries.
When asked what he considers his most important contributions to the Dayton manufacturing community, Rick responded, “Being a mentor to young people pursuing a career in manufacturing and also advocating for the region and our industry.” Rick feels that the biggest challenge to our industry is a growing skills gap that has resulted from the younger generation not entering the trades and the older, skilled workforce retiring. He believes that though the situation is improving, the DRMA’s workforce development initiatives are vital to foster and expand these skills in the region.
Throughout his career, Rick has been very active in the DRMA, having served on the Government Relations Committee and as a member of the Board of Trustees, culminating as the Chairman of the Board. Rick enjoys his involvement in the association, currently serving on the Governance Committee to ensure that the association receives a steady stream of experienced leaders.
Congratulations, Rick! Well deserved!