Duluth, March 29, 2018 – Partnership Gwinnett, in collaboration with Gwinnett Technical College, announced the winners of its 7th Annual Movers & Makers Awards during a ceremony hosted today at the Infinite Energy Forum.
The Movers & Makers Awards, presented by Jackson EMC, is the County’s annual recognition of exceptional Gwinnett-based companies involved in the manufacturing, processing, or distribution of tangible products. The program was attended by more than 350 community leaders and industry experts and is the largest event of its kind in the state of Georgia.
“Manufacturing and supply chain companies play a vital part in strengthening our local economy,” said Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman, Charlotte Nash. “This year’s honorees have contributed substantially to our community and we look forward to supporting their future success.”
The three manufacturing winners for 2018 included:
Small Manufacturer of the Year Winner (1-99 employees): Displayit
Medium Manufacturer of the Year Winner (100-199 employees): Okabashi Brands, Inc.
Large Manufacturer of the Year Winner (200+ employees): Lund International
“Our students at Gwinnett Technical College benefit considerably from partnerships with manufacturing and supply chain companies in Gwinnett,” said Dr. D. Glen Cannon, President of Gwinnett Technical College. “As a proud partner of the Movers and Makers Awards we commend the significant impact the honorees have on preparing the next generation of industry leaders.”
The two supply chain winners for 2018 included:
Small Supply Chain Pioneer of the Year Award Winner (1-49 employees): Firefly Buys
Large Supply Chain Pioneer of the Year Award Winner (50+ employees): Rehrig Pacific Company
“We are honored to be recognized by Partnership Gwinnett as the 2018 Large Supply Chain Pioneer of the Year at this year’s Movers and Makers Awards,” said John Fini, Plant Manager for Rehrig Pacific Company. “Our team is dedicated to leading innovation in the supply chain industry and we’re proud that our efforts have been recognized.”
The 2018 Corporate Citizen Award, which is given to a company that has gone above and beyond to make their company and their community a great place to be was awarded to Alternative Apparel.
The Movers & Makers Awards also recognized the community’s MVP, Most Valuable Provider, to the manufacturing and supply chain industries. This year’s award was presented to Spectrum Staffing.
Eligible companies were evaluated based upon criteria involving impact in the local community, corporate social responsibility, and workforce excellence programs.
“Each year we look forward to recognizing the incredible work of Gwinnett’s manufacturing and supply chain companies,” said Deven Cason, Sr. Project Manager, Advanced Manufacturing & Supply Chain, for Partnership Gwinnett. “Honoring the best in these industries is one way we show our gratitude for the tremendous value they add to Gwinnett.”
In addition to the awards presentation, attendees heard a keynote address from Chris Gaffney, President of Coca Cola’s National Product Supply Group. Gaffney discussed the innovative processes behind supply chain management and distribution at the Coca-Cola Company.
