This year's recipient of the 2020 Joe Tarver Service to the Industry Award is Mary Yocum. Recognized by the National Tile Contractor’s Association (NTCA), this award is given to individuals who have dedicated their careers to improving the tile and stone industry in the United States. This award was named after NTCA Executive Director, Joe Tarver, who served the industry throughout his career in both manufacturing and association management. 

Yocum is the second woman to receive this prestigious award. She has led by example participating and supporting trade associations such as the National Tile Contractors Association and the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association, where she was a two-time President.

“Mary has devoted her time and energy to the entire tile industry and is highly deserving of this recognition,” says Bart Bettiga, executive director of the NTCA. “As both a distribution and manufacturing representative, Mary has worked closely with the tile contracting community and has helped communicate the need for hiring qualified and trained installers to the design, building, specification and architectural community. Mary has actively promoted qualified labor language in the specifications and has supported the importance of industry certification offered by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation.”

“I am beyond humbled,” Yocum says while discussing the award. “Firstly, it’s the Joe Tarver Award! I worked with Joe and have a great deal of respect for him and all he did for the tile industry.  All the people who have received this award prior to me have committed themselves generously to the industry. I am so grateful and extremely humbled to be in their company.”

The NTCA has produced a video of highlights from Yocum’s impressive career in the tile industry and providing insight into her life and character:  watch here.