Skilled tradespeople may be a vanishing commodity in today's marketplace, but they are still a much-needed source of labor. To honor those workers, and to celebrate its 100th anniversary, Red Wing Shoe Co. has launched a search for "America's Master Tradesmen." The search began on Feb. 21 and will continue through June 30.

Red Wing seeks to honor 100 artisans who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to quality in their respective trades. Nominees will be judged on their level of expertise and quality craftsmanship, their commitment to the community in which they live, how they pass along skills to others learning the trade, and their dedication to American workmanship. Each of the 100 Master Trades-men will receive a $500 scholarship in his or her name to an accredited vocational or technical school of his or her choice, to help foster the next generation of skilled workers; a pair of limited edition Red Wing 100th anniversary boots; local recognition in his or her hometown market; and a certificate of recognition from Red Wing Shoe Co.

"We're launching the America's Master Tradesmen program to honor the unsung heroes of our country's workforce and to show our commitment to the future of the skilled trade industry," said Dave Murphy, Red Wing president and COO. "For the past 100 years, Red Wing Shoe Co. has been committed to providing quality American-made work boots for the American worker, and we look forward to continuing the tradition for generations to come."

Nominees will be judged by a team of experts. Through June 30, friends, family and co-workers can nominate tradesmen and tradeswomen from a variety of industries, including: automobile; construction; civil engineering; electrical; energy and utilities; metalworking and machinery; plumbing; public works; railroad; masonry; welding; and woodworking. The 100 winners will be announced this fall.

For an entry form and official rules, visit www.redwingshoe.com.