Chamber Presents 2025 Industry of the Year Awards
17th Annual Greater Hall Industry Appreciation Luncheon
The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Industry of the Year Awards were presented today at the 17th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville. Sponsored by Lanier Technical College, the awards program honors area existing industry leaders based on economic impact, workforce excellence and corporate responsibility. The Keynote Speaker for the event was Chamber Chairman Tim McDonald, President & CEO of Lanier Technical College.
2025 INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR AWARDS:
- Tower Sealants (Small Employer Category / 1-50 Employees)
- Orbital Energy Services (Medium Employer Category / 51-200 Employees)
- Fieldale Farms Corporation (Large Employer Category / 201+ Employees)
2025 RECOGNITION AWARDS:
- Kubota Manufacturing of America (Workforce Development)
- Trainz.com (Workforce Excellence)
- Hydro (Corporate Responsibility Recognition)
- Cottrell (Safety Performance Recognition)
- American Yazaki Corporation (Environmental Responsibility Recognition)
2025 INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Tower Sealants
Small Industry of the Year Award (50 or fewer employees)
Tower Sealants’ story begins in Gainesville in 2005 when a small but ambitious team set out to do one thing better than anyone else: make sealants and caulks that professionals could truly depend on. From those early days, they’ve stayed committed to consistency and craftsmanship — manufacturing high-quality products “100% Made in the USA.” Their Gainesville facility isn’t just a plant; it’s their headquarters, research and development hub, and the center of a company that takes pride in doing things the right way. Tower products can be found wherever precision matters most — from major commercial construction projects to home repairs and restoration. Whether it’s sealing windows and doors, waterproofing expansion joints, or repairing concrete, stucco, and tile, their formulations are trusted by painters, contractors, and builders across the country. Their process ensures de-aerated, air-free filling for unmatched consistency, and they pioneered reusable caulk tube options to help reduce waste, proving that sustainability and performance truly go hand in hand. The company is deeply invested in its people and its community and hosts appreciation days that celebrate hard work and pride in craftsmanship. The company partners with Family Promise of Hall County where team members volunteer their time and skill to complete handyman projects at Family Promise facilities and transitional homes. www.towersealants.com
Orbital Energy Services
Medium Industry of the Year Award (51-200 Employees)
Orbital Energy Services stands as a shining example of what it means to grow with purpose, and the company’s story is one of precision, craftsmanship, and innovation. Its team has built a strong reputation for tackling complex technical challenges with skill and confidence — providing services that keep industries across the nation running efficiently and reliably. From their base in Hall County, they’ve earned the trust of customers through their expertise in machining, welding, valve repair, and steam turbine services. Their work is highly specialized and demands focus, discipline, and excellence at every turn. They understand that the future of industry depends not only on technology, but on people and have become a leader in local workforce development, opening its doors to high school students and educators for industry tours, career days, and work-based learning experiences. They’ve partnered with Hall County Schools to provide mock interviews, classroom presentations, and apprenticeship opportunities that turn curiosity into careers. And they take it one step further — offering employment that includes paid tuition, helping young professionals gain valuable experience while continuing their education. Because of that commitment, this company was recognized by Hall County Schools as the New Work-Based Learning Partner of the Year for the 2024–2025 — a distinction that speaks volumes about their leadership and community partnership. To keep up with increasing demand, they’ve recently completed a second facility, expanding both their capacity and their investment in our community. With about 80 employees, they’ve built a team that combines technical expertise with genuine hometown pride — a team that embodies excellence in every sense of the word. www.orbitalenergyservices.com
Fieldale Farms Corporation
Large Industry of the Year Award (201+ Employees)
Fieldale Farms’ story is one of North Georgia itself — one of perseverance, innovation, and pride in a job done right. It began more than 50 years ago, when three visionary leaders joined forces to purchase a small poultry operation from Ralston-Purina. Their new company’s name was born by blending their own: “Hatfield” and “Arrendale” — creating a name now synonymous with quality, integrity, and community. From humble beginnings in 1972, this company has grown into one of the largest independent poultry producers in America — employing thousands across Northeast Georgia and supporting generations of families. But despite its remarkable growth, it has never lost its family spirit or moral compass. In 1997, it introduced a revolutionary idea: a brand dedicated to raising chickens without antibiotics or animal by-products. It was a first-of-its-kind commitment to animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and the health of American families. That bold idea became Springer Mountain Farms and then the company earned another first: recognition as the world’s first poultry producer to carry the American Humane Certified™ seal. Their “Simply Superior Chicken” philosophy isn’t just a slogan — it’s a promise carried out daily by family farmers, nutritionists, drivers, and plant workers, most living within 60 miles of the company’s Northeast Georgia headquarters. But what makes this company truly extraordinary isn’t just what they produce — it’s what they give back. Employees volunteer for local charities, support food drives, and show up for their neighbors in countless quiet ways. Whether ringing bells for the Salvation Army or sponsoring youth programs, they pour the same care into their community as they do into their craft. For more than five decades, this company has fed families, fueled our economy, and fostered a spirit of pride throughout Hall County and beyond. www.fieldale.com
2025 INDUSTRY RECOGNITION AWARDS
Kubota Manufacturing of America
Workforce Development Recognition Award
Japanese-based Kubota Manufacturing of America has called Gainesville home for more than three decades — manufacturing equipment that’s recognized and trusted around the world. Kubota led the way for local manufacturers to hire and train high school students, creating pathways that connect education directly to careers in advanced manufacturing. In partnership with Lanier Technical College, local high schools, and Georgia Quick Start, Kubota offers hands-on apprenticeship and internship programs that prepare students and employees for long-term success. Kubota’s in-house training program, simulated assembly line instruction, and well-known “Safety Dojo” program promotes continuous learning, leadership, and workplace safety. Nationally recognized with the Excellence in Manufacturing Training Award, Kubota continues to make impactful investments in its workforce and our community — growing both great products and great people. www.kubota-kma.com
Trainz.com
Workforce Excellence Recognition Award
Trainz.com is a growing Hall County company that has built a workplace culture centered on integrity, excellence, and continual learning. Starting in Scott and Milinda Griggs’ basement in 1997, Trainz has steadily grown into the largest seller of toys and hobby products on eBay, maintaining this prestige for over a decade. They have been officially certified as a Great Place to Work, and for the past two years, they have been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the Top 20 small businesses to work for in America. The company recently located into a new 73,000-square-foot facility in Gainesville, a move that doubled their previous space while keeping operations running smoothly. The new headquarters includes employee-centered features like an on-site gym, break areas, and inviting common spaces — all designed to support wellness and teamwork. With 95% of their customers in the U.S. and a growing team of dedicated employees, Trainz continues to set the standard for employee engagement, growth, and workforce excellence. www.trainz.com
Hydro
Corporate Responsibility Recognition Award
Hall County-based Hydro has made a meaningful investment in the next generation by helping bring a brand-new learning space to life at the INK Children’s Museum in Oakwood. Through the creation of the Hydro Dynamics Manufacturing Center, they’ve given children a hands-on way to explore how everyday products are made — including learning how to build a window just like the ones this company produces. Their support helps spark curiosity, inspire future builders and problem-solvers, and strengthen the connection between local industry and young learners in our community. www.hydro.com
Cottrell
Safety Performance Recognition Award
Long-standing Hall County manufacturer Cottrell has earned a national reputation for quality, excellence, and a firm commitment to safety. With over 1,000 employees, their operations have now exceeded six million work hours without a lost-time accident — a remarkable milestone that reflects their strong culture of safety and teamwork. They’ve also expanded their Hall County facility, continuing to grow and invest in our community. Today, this company represents more than 90% of the U.S. auto-hauler market — a true industry leader setting the standard for excellence and safety. Cottrell continues to focus on protecting their people, improving their processes, and maintaining the highest safety standards, making them a standout in manufacturing. www.cottrelltrailers.com
American Yazaki Corporation
Environmental Responsibility Recognition Award
American Yazaki Corporation has consistently delivered zero defects and 100% on-time delivery for more than a decade — a level of consistency that reflects their deep commitment to quality and care. Their training programs help employees grow their skills beyond expectations, and their focus on manufacturing PFAS-free products actively protects both human health and the environment. The team at American Yazaki demonstrate a strong dedication to environmental care and corporate responsibility, and they continue to support many Greater Hall Chamber programs and community initiatives.