STAFDA delivers “Cliff Clavin” as keynoter

Why has STAFDA, the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association, invited a former “Cheers” sitcom actor to speak at its annual convention Nov. 13?

One reason: Because of his other job promoting the building trades in the United States.

John Ratzenberger, most famous for his role as the friendly mail carrier Cliff Clavin on “Cheers,” is also a former carpenter who is engaged in efforts to promote trade skills in America.

He also produced and starred in the TV show “Made in America” on the Travel Channel.

The STAFDA Trade News newsletter quotes Ratzenberger: “My mother used to give me old radios and toasters with the cords cut off. She told us to take them apart. Growing up, everyone we knew would make something and knew how to fix things. We are losing that and we need to get it back.”

Ratzenberger is also working on a television show designed to do something about the shortage of skilled workers in the United States.