Partnership Gwinnett, in collaboration with Gwinnett Technical College, announced the winners of its 5^th Annual Movers & Makers Awards during a ceremony held this morning at the Infinite Energy Forum.

The Movers & Makers Awards are the County’s annual recognition of exceptional Gwinnett-based companies involved in the manufacturing, processing or distribution of tangible products. Presented by Jackson EMC, the event is the largest of its kind in Georgia.

“Manufacturing and supply chain is an important part of the business community,” said Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash. “We were delighted to honor such a diverse representation of Gwinnett’s best companies at this event and applaud them for the important role they play in our community.”

In addition to the awards presentation, Gene Long, President of Distribution at National DCP, the $2 billion supply chain management cooperative for the franchisees of Dunkin’ Donuts, served as keynote speaker. NDCP was last year’s Supply Chain Pioneer of the Year Award winner.

“Last year we were recognized as an industry pioneer among our esteemed peers in Gwinnett County,” stated Long. “It is an honor to come back this year to help recognize these dynamic, innovative companies and celebrate the impact they are making to our local economy.”

The three manufacturing winners included:

• Small Manufacturer of the Year Award Winner (1-49 employees): AES Clean Technology
• Medium Manufacturer of the Year Award Winner (50-149 employees): Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration
• Large Manufacturer of the Year Award Winner (150+ employees): Hussmann

“We are honored to be the recipient of the 2016 Medium Manufacturer of the Year Award and grateful to have our operation in Stone Mountain, Georgia be recognized with a Movers and Makers award by Partnership Gwinnett,” said Larry Golen, Vice President and General Manager of Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration for North America. “We greatly appreciate the support and value that the Gwinnett County community provides which has been and continues to be a key ingredient to our success.”

The two supply chain winners included:

• Supply Chain Pioneer of the Year Award Winner: Performance Trucking
• Corporate Citizen Award Winner: Mitsubishi Electric

“Performance Trucking is honored to be recognized as an industry pioneer among our esteemed peers in Gwinnett County,” said Dan Strader, President and CEO, Performance Trucking. “We look forward to serving this area for many years to come.”

The Most Valuable Provider (MVP) Award recognized Target Metal Systems for its excellence in service to the manufacturing and supply chain sectors in Gwinnett County.

Companies were evaluated based upon criteria involving economic impact in the community, corporate responsibility, and workforce excellence programs.

“To grow and sustain a positive business trajectory, manufacturers must accelerate and expand product and service innovation,” said Dr. Glen Cannon, President of Gwinnett Technical College. “Gwinnett Technical College is committed to providing high-quality, industry-centric resources to fuel innovation and support economic development strategies of our community.”

“Since its inception in 2007, Partnership Gwinnett has been actively engaged in the development of the manufacturing and supply chain industries in Gwinnett County.” stated Shantell Wilson, Senior Project Manager, Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management. “These companies exhibit cutting edge innovation that will keep our community competitive and sustain future economic growth.”

To learn more about Partnership Gwinnett and Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com or www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com.

[PHOTO L-R: Nick Masino, Senior Vice President, Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development & Partnership Gwinnett; Winner-Dan Slader, Performance Trucking; Winner-Rick Dobson, AES Clean Technology; Winner-Larry Golen, Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration; Winner-Chris Seigert, Hussmann; Winner-Helen Miskowski, Mitubishi Electric; Dr. Glen Cannon, President, Gwinnett Technical College]

About Partnership Gwinnett
Partnership Gwinnett is Gwinnett’s economic and community development initiative. Led by the Gwinnett Chamber and a host of public and private partners, the initiative targets the retention and expansion of existing Gwinnett businesses in addition to the development of new business in five key market segments: Information &Technology Solutions; Health Sciences & Services; Professional & Corporate Services; Supply Chain Management; and Advanced Manufacturing. The ultimate goal is to promote comprehensive economic development, increase education and workforce excellence, and support community and leadership development for the entire Gwinnett community. For more information on Partnership Gwinnett, the internationally award-winning community and economic development initiative, please visit http://www.partnershipgwinnett.com/.