The Tile Contractors Association of America recently honored Robert L. Smyth with the Giacomo DeLazzero Lifetime Achievement Award at TCAA’s 98th annual convention in San Francisco. Smyth, who founded Western Tile and Marble with his uncle 50 years ago, has played a key role in the association since joining in 1963.

Currently chairman of the TCAA Board of Trustees, Smyth previously served as TCAA director of Western States, as well as a term as TCAA president in 1974 to 1975. Smyth has also been active in the Seattle Tile Contractors’ Association and the Seattle Tile Contractors’ Health and Welfare Fund.

Originally named for the TCAA award last year, Smyth was formally honored in a ceremony at this year’s convention. He was unable to attend last year due to an injury. Also at the convention, the TCAA inaugurated its Trowel of Excellence program with the first round of companies that achieved certification. They include: Artisan Tile & Marble Co. of N.J., Eugene G. Sackett Co., Port Morris Tile & Marble Corp., Selectile of California, Lippert Tile Co., Williams Tile & Marble and Shores Tile Co.