IndustryInsiders_PeopleInTheNews, AGRR, January-February 2011

Volume 13, Issue 1 - January-February 2011

industry insiders
people in the news

APPOINTMENTS
Industry Veteran Win Parnall of Crystal Glass/Extractor to Retire
Extractor operations manager Win Parnall began his long career in the auto glass industry in 1964, with parent company Crystal Glass. At press time, Parnall was scheduled to retire from the Edmonton, Alberta-based company on February 25, 2011.

Parnall has had a range of industry experience over the years. After getting his start with Crystal, he went on to launch his own company-Prestige Aluminum Products. In 1995, he sold that company to Los Angeles-based C.R. Laurence Co. Inc. (CRL), and, after working for CRL for six years, he returned to Crystal in 2001.

Meanwhile, Crystal had launched its Extractor business—a tool division—in 1998, so in 2005 Parnall took over management of that part of business, along with Crystal’s distribution arm.

“It’s been a great five or six years,” says Parnall.

Parnall and his wife, Carol, plan to take a month-long vacation to Palm Springs, Calif., in March.

Don Rietze has been pegged to take over as operations manager upon Parnall’s retirement.

KUDOS
Birkhauser Awarded the Annual Carl F. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award
AEGIS Tools International president Bob Birkhauser was recognized during the recent AGRSS Conference with the annual Carl F. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award (see related story on page 30). The award is given annually to someone who has shown exemplary service to the efforts of the AGRSS Council Inc.

Birkhauser applauded others in his acceptance of the award. “AGRSS is an entity, a living organism that is dynamic, and it is the result of the efforts of people like you,” he said. “It’s been a battle at times, but an enjoyable one.”