The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its 3rd Annual Industry Appreciation event. Sponsored by Lanier Technical College, the program included presentations of Industry of the Year awards in the Greater Hall area. Gainesville-Hall County is home to 47 Fortune 500 firms, more than 300 manufacturing and processing concerns, and 41 international companies representing 16 foreign countries. Industries were recognized for their economic impact, corporate responsibility and workforce excellence.
AdEdge Water Technologies, Inc. – Industry of the Year (0 – 150 Employees)
Rich Cavagnaro, President
With 38 employees, the 10 year old, Buford-based company supplies water treatment systems that remove contaminants. In the past five years, AdEdge’s sales have increased over 400%, and employment has grown from 24 to 40 employees in the past 14 months. In the past two years, facility space has tripled and in 2011, 100% of manufacturing was completed in-house. AdEdge has a Community Outreach program with events ranging from Habitat for Humanity to a drive for building a drug recovery center. Last year, a safety manager was hired and a recycling program initiated. AdEdge offers employees and family’s full benefits with option of a retirement plan with company match. A weekly company newsletter keeps employees informed. adedgetechnologies.com
Mansfield Energy Corporation – Industry of the Year (151 – 500 Employees)
Michael Mansfield, CEO
In business for 54 years, Mansfield has 330 employees and provides transportation fuels and fuels services. In 2011, the company had a 15% increase in volume with over 2.5 billion gallons delivered. The company had 53% of gross revenue increased over 2010 along with a 10,000 square foot facility build out. Employment increased by 20%, and Mansfield offers full benefit and retirement plans. Employees stay engaged through a company newsletter and company-sponsored family events. Education is a focus as well as computer training and tuition reimbursement for employees. mansfield.com
Fieldale Farms Corporation – Industry of the Year (501+ Employees)
John Wright, Vice President of Operations
With 40 years in business and 2500 employees, the poultry processing and further processing industry has expanded its customer base, increase sales and invested in new equipment in the last year. Fieldale Farms believes in giving back by participating with more than 15 local non-profits including United Way of Hall County. Fieldale offers employees health benefits and a retirement plan. Looking towards the future, Fieldale offers a 10-week paid internship each summer for college students who desire to work in the poultry industry. Fieldale is proud to be an active recycler and continues to meet and beat records on reduction of water usage in the poultry field. fieldale.com
Zebra Technologies Corporation – Environmental Stewardship Award
Pao Sengkhammee, Plant Manager
Zebra Technologies is a die cut and printed labels and tags company with 34 employees. In 2012, they converted trim waste resulting in diverting over 25 tons of waste from the landfill per month. As a part of the zero waste vision for the plant, Zebra also recycles paper and corrugated cardboard. zebra.com
Baldor Electric – Safety Recognition Award / Mitch Rylee, Safety Director
In business for 34 years and with 410 employees, the Flowery Branch-based industry qualified for 12 consecutive years for the Georgia Department of Labor Award of Excellence and in 2011 logged 4.5 million hours without lost time injury. baldor.com
Cargill, Inc. – Employer Recognition Award / Dave Ellis, Plant Superintendent
Gainesville-based Cargill is a soy food and cooking oils industry with 310 employees. In business for 35 years, the company added 15 new positions in 2011 and offers a comprehensive benefits plan focusing on wellness with included gym memberships, education and tuition reimbursements, and employee family events. cargill.com
Syfan Logistics, Inc. – Corporate Citizenship Award / Jim Syfan, President
Jim Syfan and his family have been in the transportation industry for over 35 years. Currently with 77 employees, the company is a vital part of the Gainesville-Hall County community, contributing and participating with programs including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Challenged Child, Humane Society, Red Cross, United Way and Partners in Education. syfanlogistics.com