William Ives has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bearing Specialists Association (website; 5251R9N7). Mr. Ives has been the BSA's legal counsel since its founding.

The award was presented during the group's Annual Convention by Jamaica Bearings' Steve Durston. Mr. Durston said: "Bill has been a part of our industry since BSA was formed in 1966. He is the only legal counsel BSA has ever had."

Mr. Ives has been semi-retired from the firm of Keck, Mahin and Cate since 2004, but continues to lend his experience to the BSA and a number of other professional organizations.

There have only been a handful of BSA Lifetime Achievement Awards presented:

2001 : Wendy McDonald; BC Bearing Engineers
2004 : Jim Fitzpatrick, Sr.; Bearings Specialty Company
2004 : John Nations; Bearings & Drives
2006 : James Martin III; The Timken Company
2007 : Dennis Clark; SKF
2007 : Richard Gipson; Gipson Bearing Company


With roots dating back to 1941, BSA is an organization of authorized bearing distributors involved in education, training, and promoting manufacturer relationships with authorized distributors. Widening its mission, the BSA now also welcomes invited manufacturers of bearings and related products.