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NSCA Announces 2017 Winner of Lifetime Achievement Award

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, Feb. 7, 2017 — The National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) is excited to announce Miriam Evaslin as the 2017 Per Haugen Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Evaslin will be honored on March 4, 2017, during NSCA’s 19th annual Business & Leadership Conference in Chandler, AZ.

More than 50 years ago, Evaslin was enrolled in a master’s degree program – but left to take a part-time secretarial job with a sound and communications contractor. From there, she went to work in sales for Central Jersey Sound, a contractor that specialized in working with schools. She joined another company after Central Jersey Sound was sold.

One year, while at an industry tradeshow, she met a competitor – Gary Evaslin – owner and president of Ochs Service (parent company of Pro-Tec Electronics). Gary offered her a position, and she took it three months later.

“Gary always said, ‘If you want to eliminate competition, make it part of your family,’ ” says Evaslin. “Eventually, Gary and I were married. He encouraged me to become active in NSCA and other organizations that encouraged women to take leading roles in business. I can’t believe this honor is being bestowed upon me. I admired Per so much. He was a great mentor and principled businessman. To be associated with him blows me away.”

Today, Evaslin serves as controller for Pro-Tec Electronics, which focuses on technology for fast-food restaurants, car dealerships, financial institutions, supermarkets, and small and medium-sized businesses. She was also the first woman to serve on NSCA’s board of directors in 1991. After a 10-year term, she served on the NSCA Education Foundation board to raise funds for scholarships and awards to assist existing professionals and those pursuing careers within the low-voltage electronic systems integration industry.

“Miriam is one of a handful of women who were instrumental in encouraging other women to get involved in our industry,” says NSCA Executive Director Chuck Wilson. “She is known for being a role model for women in this industry.”

The Per Haugen Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an individual who exhibits:

  • Dedication to philanthropy and social responsibility
  • Business practices with high ethics, values, integrity, and honesty
  • Active leadership in the financial well-being of his/her company and NSCA
  • Strong values in every aspect of his/her life
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