NIFDA Awards

Betsy Ross Award

Betsy Ross Award

Award at a glance: Recognizing active service, leadership, and meaningful contributions within the flag industry.

The Betsy Ross Award for Service is presented annually to honor an active member of the National Independent Flag Dealers Association who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to NIFDA, the flag industry, fellow members, and/or their community.

The recipient demonstrates initiative, resilience, and leadership through meaningful contributions—such as overcoming challenges, advancing awareness of the flag industry, supporting efforts that impact the U.S. flag, or increasing visibility and engagement within the industry.

This award recognizes individuals whose ongoing efforts strengthen the association and elevate the flag industry as a whole.

YearRecipientCompany / Affiliation
2025Laurie OlsenA Stars & Stripes Flag Corporation
2024Julye SpinelliSaratoga Flag Company
2023Todd RossRaising Freedom
2022David McGeheeColumbia Flag & Sign Company
2021Kim GrieblingCustom Flag Company
2019Arthur Schaller, Jr.The National Flag Company
2018Mike & Vickie YoungEagle Mountain Flag & Flagpole
2017Karen BushFlag & Banner Company, Inc.
2016James GiraudoPacific Coast Flag
2015Brenda McIntyreA Complete Flagsource
2014Kerry McCoyArkansas Flag and Banner
2012Fred BretzloffYankee Doodle Flags, Kites & Fun
2011Carl “Gus” Porter IIIWGN Flag & Decorating Co.
2010Frank HicksEder Flag
2009Lori WatsonThe Flag Lady’s Flag Store
2008Robert RosenthalAtlas Flags
2007Howard PinkleyFlag-Sales Repairs
2006Jeff ShaaberValley Forge Flag Company
2005Pete Van de Putte Founding memberDixie Flag Mfg. Company, Inc.
2004Fred Hachmeister Founding memberThe Flag Factory
2003Randy Smith Founding memberAdvertising Flag Co.
2002Terry StevensonExecutive Director of NIFDA
2002Mary Leavitt Founding memberFlag Lady’s Store
2000Edna McCallFlag Store
1999Scott SomersConcord Industries/Flagpole Components
George Washington Award

George Washington Award

Award at a glance: Honoring a lifetime of leadership, integrity, and enduring impact on the flag industry.

The George Washington Award is presented every five years to honor an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime of service to the flag industry.

The recipient exemplifies excellence, integrity, and professionalism in their business practices and has gone above and beyond the call of duty by generously sharing their time, guidance, and wisdom with others—both within and beyond the industry.

This award recognizes sustained leadership and dedication to advancing respect for the U.S. flag as a symbol of patriotism and our nation’s heritage. The award itself is a replica of the Houdon bust of George Washington, the original of which resides at Mount Vernon.

YearRecipientCompany / Affiliation
2025Gus PorterW.G.N Flag & Decorating Co.
2021Susan WellsStars for Our Troops
2015Jeff Parness
2011Fred Quigley
2010Sean Harrington
2009Frank Hicks
2008Peter Van de Putte
2007Mary Leavitt
2006Eugene Eder
2003Janice ChristiansenFlagSource
2002Matt Conway
2001Bob CaggianoAnnin Flagmakers
2000George Cahill
1999Dr. Whitney Smith
1998 & priorJoe McIntyre;
Randy Beard Sr.;
Bill Spangler;
Jim Timberlake;
Jim Van Gundy