NIFDA Awards
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.
| Year | Recipient | Company / Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Laurie Olsen | A Stars & Stripes Flag Corporation |
| 2024 | Julye Spinelli | Saratoga Flag Company |
| 2023 | Todd Ross | Raising Freedom |
| 2022 | David McGehee | Columbia Flag & Sign Company |
| 2021 | Kim Griebling | Custom Flag Company |
| 2019 | Arthur Schaller, Jr. | The National Flag Company |
| 2018 | Mike & Vickie Young | Eagle Mountain Flag & Flagpole |
| 2017 | Karen Bush | Flag & Banner Company, Inc. |
| 2016 | James Giraudo | Pacific Coast Flag |
| 2015 | Brenda McIntyre | A Complete Flagsource |
| 2014 | Kerry McCoy | Arkansas Flag and Banner |
| 2012 | Fred Bretzloff | Yankee Doodle Flags, Kites & Fun |
| 2011 | Carl “Gus” Porter III | WGN Flag & Decorating Co. |
| 2010 | Frank Hicks | Eder Flag |
| 2009 | Lori Watson | The Flag Lady’s Flag Store |
| 2008 | Robert Rosenthal | Atlas Flags |
| 2007 | Howard Pinkley | Flag-Sales Repairs |
| 2006 | Jeff Shaaber | Valley Forge Flag Company |
| 2005 | Pete Van de Putte Founding member | Dixie Flag Mfg. Company, Inc. |
| 2004 | Fred Hachmeister Founding member | The Flag Factory |
| 2003 | Randy Smith Founding member | Advertising Flag Co. |
| 2002 | Terry Stevenson | Executive Director of NIFDA |
| 2002 | Mary Leavitt Founding member | Flag Lady’s Store |
| 2000 | Edna McCall | Flag Store |
| 1999 | Scott Somers | Concord Industries/Flagpole Components |
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.
| Year | Recipient | Company / Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Gus Porter | W.G.N Flag & Decorating Co. |
| 2021 | Susan Wells | Stars for Our Troops |
| 2015 | Jeff Parness | |
| 2011 | Fred Quigley | |
| 2010 | Sean Harrington | |
| 2009 | Frank Hicks | |
| 2008 | Peter Van de Putte | |
| 2007 | Mary Leavitt | |
| 2006 | Eugene Eder | |
| 2003 | Janice Christiansen | FlagSource |
| 2002 | Matt Conway | |
| 2001 | Bob Caggiano | Annin Flagmakers |
| 2000 | George Cahill | |
| 1999 | Dr. Whitney Smith | |
| 1998 & prior | Joe McIntyre; Randy Beard Sr.; Bill Spangler; Jim Timberlake; Jim Van Gundy |