Applications are being taken for the 2012 Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Awards program, presented by the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Technology Network. This is the 13th year for the annual prestigious program, which over the years has come to be recognized as the premier Alabama event which recognizes the best manufacturers for the key role they play in the economic health of Alabama.
Awards are presented in three categories based on number of employees: large, 400 or more employees; medium, 100 to 399; and small, one to 99. Details are available here. The intent to apply deadline is April 10, with full applications due by May 10, 2012. The award ceremony will be June 20 at the Alabama Activity Center in Montgomery.
An additional award, Emerging Manufacturer of the Year, may be presented to a company that has been in operation for five or fewer years and has demonstrated superior performance. The Governor Bob Riley Building a Better Alabama Award may also be presented to an individual who has worked tirelessly to promote manufacturing and economic development in Alabama.
“This is an opportunity to recognize and thank Alabama’s manufacturing community for its incredibly important contributions to our economy and to our quality of life,” said BCA President and CEO William J. Canary.
“For the 13th consecutive year, ATN is proud to join BCA in recognizing manufacturing excellence in Alabama,” said ATN President Mike Bailey. “Throughout the year we work with hundred of manufacturers and understand many of their challenges and struggles. Each year, the winners provide manufacturing leadership to their industry, their communities, and their employees and demonstrate that Alabama manufacturers are world-class performers.”
BCA’s membership includes nearly 1,300 manufacturing companies, helping make the Business Council Alabama’s largest and strongest advocate for existing industry. “BCA is the state’s exclusive affiliate to the National Association of Manufacturers,” Canary added. “This ensures that the manufacturing sector is at the table when policies that affect business and industry are debated in Washington.”