Each year at Connections, awards are presented to individuals in recognition of the leadership, humanitarian and industry efforts they put forth. This year's lunch banquet ceremony highlighted some truly unique and deserving individuals.

LAS VEGAS – Each year at Connections, awards are presented to individuals in recognition of the leadership, humanitarian and industry efforts they put forth. This year’s lunch banquet ceremony spotlighted some truly unique individuals.

The Industry Connections Award was presented posthumously to Ed York in recognition of his decades-long efforts to forge connections and partnerships between the cleaning and restoration industry and other industries.

Paul Thompson was honored with the Connections Kenway Mead Leadership Award for his vision, leadership and tireless energy on behalf of the cleaning and restoration industry on a regional, national and international level.

And finally, the ICS Cleaning Specialist Ralph Bloss Humanitarian Award, an award that “honors members of the floor care industry whose compassion, self-sacrifice, leadership and creativity produce significant and outstanding benefits for mankind,” was awarded to Cary Adler of Fourstar Cleaning & Restoration in Fremont, Calif.