Aurora, IL – The Finishing Contractors Association of Illinois (FCAI) is proud to announce that Alejandro Almanza has been named the recipient of the 2025 Norm Hankes Award. The award was presented by FCAI Executive Director Mark Palmer during the North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute (NCIFTI) apprentice graduation ceremony on July 31st. The graduation is a celebration of the painters/decorators, industrial painters, drywall finishers, and glaziers who successfully completed the apprenticeship program in the past 12 months.
The Norm Hankes Award recognizes an outstanding graduating apprentice who exemplifies quality craftsmanship, passion for their trade, and dedication to lifelong learning.
The award is named for Norman Hankes, owner of Hankes Decorating in Aurora, who devoted more than 47 years to the finishing industry. After returning from military service in World War II, Norm graduated from the Fox Valley Apprentice School in 1949, later serving as an instructor and trustee of the Apprenticeship Program. One of his proudest achievements was helping secure the former Blaine School in Batavia as a permanent training facility.
In 1960, Norm founded Hankes Decorating after years of journeyman work. Throughout his career, he served in numerous leadership roles, including on the PDC #30 Pension and Welfare Funds, the NIPDI Board of Directors, and as President of the Northeast Illinois PDCA Chapter. A tireless advocate for apprenticeship education, Norm believed strongly in the value of training the next generation of tradespeople.
It is in honor of his commitment to education and the industry that the Norm Hankes Award continues to be presented each year.
