MFG Galileo Dedication

On September 29, 2009, members of the MFG management team gathered in Opp, Alabama, where we participated in the dedication of MFG Galileo, which has relocated to Opp from Reno, NV. The weather was beautiful and the dedication was enjoyed by all who attended.

Representing MFG from Ashtabula, OH were Nancy Warner (board member), Glen Warner (VP of special projects), Larry Davis (VP of human resources), Eric Hutchinson (sr accountant), Kurt Fink (marketing director), John O'Neil,Sr (IT director), Randy Rudecki (IT teammate) and me.

Clint Lackey, the general manager of MFG Galileo, several teammates from Galileo, as well as teammates from MFG Alabama (just down the road 2 miles) and family members participated in the opening event.

Mayor H. D. Edgar and several local officials participated in the ceremony and provided the catered southern styled lunch. After remarks from several individuals, we held the ribbon cutting ceremony (shown in photo). Mayor Edgar cut the ribbon as he and the City of Opp welcomed MFG Galileo to its new home.

MFG is delighted to be in Opp (for the second time). In 2005 , we dedicated MFG Alabama, making two entities now in this business-friendly town. Here's to Galileo!

Ted Williams

On June 21, 1973, Ted Williams, arguably one of the greatest hitters of all time, came to Union City to present an award to our Union City teammates celebrating the production of the 100,000th Gamefisher 12-ft fishing boat.

Beginning in the late 60's, MFG began producing fiber glass boats for Sears under the Ted Williams brand name. The Gamefisher was a big success, and we produced over 200,000 boats for Sears by the end of '79.

Ted Williams was a very interesting man. We hosted him at the Aviation Club in Erie, where Ted gave a batting lesson witnessed by all the guests and the staff. That was quite the moment! I was fortunate to spend an entire day with him on June 22nd. He really liked Presque Isle Bay in Erie and spoke of his passion for all types of fishing. We walked around my house in Erie and he could name every plant and bush in Latin! That night we went to the horse races, where he graciously signed autographs and chatted with fans.

The photo above shows Robert Morrison (what a jacket!) and me, flanking one of the most famous hitters of the baseball ever. A great moment to remember and share.