Rick Clemence is the President of the Hand Tools Institute (HTI).  The Hand Tools Institute, founded in 1935, is the trade association of North American manufacturers of non-powered hand tools and toolboxes.

The objectives of the Institute are to promote and further the interests of its members relative to manufacturing, safety standardization, international trade and government relations.The Institute prepares and disseminates educational materials, conducts market surveys, identifies legal, legislative, regulatory and economic trends affecting the industry.

HTI actively seeks to promote good relations and cooperation with other associations, the American National Standards Institute, the National Safety Council and government agencies and legislatures.

HTI seeks to identify opportunities for its members to compete in world markets. HTI representatives meet regularly with their European counterparts to identify areas of mutual benefit and concern. HTI seeks to help its members better understand other international markets.

HTI is actively involved and cooperates with the American National Standards Institute, the International Standards Organization, the National Safety Council, and other national and international standards organizations.  HTI develops and maintains American National Standards and is well represented at international standards meetings. HTI members are active participants in the writing of Standards.