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The Manufacturer & Manufacturing Employee of the Year Awards focus attention on the important contributions manufacturers and industry make to their employees, customers, and communities, and the impacts of exceptional manufacturing employees on their companies and communities. These awards showcase the entrepreneurial spirit, community and enterprise leadership, and good citizenship of Kentucky’s top manufacturers and employees that enhance the prosperity of communities across the Commonwealth.
The 2023 recipients will be announced at the 2023 Awards Dinner on November 2 during KAM’s 2023 Manufacturers Summit at Western Kentucky University’s Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green.
Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership (50%) in regards to products, production methods, or services. Describe on-site production of innovative, award-winning, “world-class” products and/or services; safety programs; unique product designs and/or processes; or recognized characteristics such as high-quality products, low defect rates, etc. Emphasis will be placed on Kentucky-driven innovations.
Corporate Citizenship (30%) providing leadership in making a key contribution to the quality of life in the Commonwealth and/or local community. Include the economic impact of the initiative. Describe and list the enterprise’s “corporate citizenship” and monetary, in-kind, or volunteer support efforts provided by the company. Examples include charitable projects focused on schools, parks, medical clinics, or non-profit organizations.
Advocacy (20%) in promoting the advancement of manufacturing and industry in Kentucky. List leadership roles held by company employees in local chambers of commerce, industry or trade associations, and other groups that advance manufacturing and industry in Kentucky and/or the United States. Specify the advancement or accomplishment to which the company’s team members contributed. Include years of participation and volunteer positions held, such as committee and board appointments.
Innovation (25%) accomplished by the nominee in the workplace. Include descriptions of the nominee’s suggestions and recommendations that have led to, for example, improved productivity, safety, or profitability.
Teamwork (25%) demonstrated by the nominee by, for example, his/her participation in group or team projects; consideration for the needs of teammates or of the enterprise in a selfless manner. Using specific examples, describe the nominee’s impact on the workplace by his/her teamwork.
Community Service (25%) as demonstrated by the nominee giving back to the greater community. Describe how, outside of work, the nominee engages in the community through his/her volunteer efforts, for example, on behalf of schools, charities, youth sports, public service, or other civic activities. List all relevant activities.
Leadership (25%) by the nominee as a positive role model, demonstrating high integrity, ethical behavior, exceptional work performance, and strong character. Give specific examples of the nominee’s impact and influence on fellow employees.
2022
Toyotetsu America, Inc., Large Manufacturer
Evonik Corporation, Midsize Manufacturer
Hallway Feeds, Small Manufacturer
2019
Alltech, Large Manufacturer
Stelised Inc., Small Manufacturer
2018
Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky, Large Manufacturer
Wacker Chemical Corporation, Midsize Manufacturer
Huff Technologies, Small Manufacturer
2017
Dorman Products, Large Manufacturer
Novolex Duro Bag, Large Manufacturer
Pegasus Industries & Packaging, Midsize Manufacturer
Commonwealth Agri-Energy, LLC, Small Manufacturer
2016
Domtar Paper Company, LLC, Large Manufacturer
LINAK U.S., Midsize Manufacturer
Ferm Solutions and Wilderness Trail Distillery, Small Manufacturer
2015
GE Appliances, Large Manufacturer
Holley Performance Products, Midsize Manufacturer
Hahn Automation, Small Manufacturer
2014
Ford Motor Company, Large Manufacturer
CLARK Material Handling Company, Midsize Manufacturer
Kentucky BioProcessing, Inc., Small Manufacturer
2013
General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant, Large Manufacturer
American Printing House for the Blind, Midsize Manufacturer
Lectrodryer, LLC, Small Manufacturer
2012
Catlettsburg Refining, LLC, Large Manufacturer
Denyo Manufacturing Corporation, Midsize Manufacturer
Universal Woods, Inc., Small Manufacturer
2011
Emerson Industrial Automation, Large Manufacturer
Calgon Carbon Corporation, Midsize Manufacturer
Sekisui S-Lec America, Small Manufacturer
2010
Brown-Forman, Large Manufacturer
Big Ass Fans, Midsize Manufacturer
Kentucky Trailer, Small Manufacturer
2009
Raytheon, Large Manufacturer
Atkins & Pierce, Midsize Manufacturer
Simpak, Small Manufacturer
2008
Gallatin Steel, Large Manufacturer
Whip Mix Corporation, Midsize Manufacturer
I.B. Moore Company, Small Manufacturer
2007
Cox Interiors LLC, Large Manufacturer
LINAK U.S. Inc., Midsize Manufacturer
Wagstaff Inc., Small Manufacturer
2005
Alltech, Large Manufacturer
Blendex Inc., Midsize Manufacturer
Blue Moon Artworks, Small Manufacturer
Lectodryer, Small Manufacturer
2004
LG&E Energy, Large Manufacturer
McCoy & McCoy Laboratories, Midsize Manufacturer
LSI Graphic Solutions Plus, Small Manufacturer
2003
Webasto Roof Systems, Large Manufacturer
Modine Manufacturing Company, Midsize Manufacturer
OnLine Printing, Small Manufacturer
2002
American Electric Power/Kentucky Power, Large Manufacturer
Boneal Inc., Midsize Manufacturer
Clark Publishing Inc., Small Manufacturer
2001
Griffin Industries, Large Manufacturer
Shelby Industries, Small Manufacturer
2022
Tammy Jesse, Pegasus Industries and Packaging
2019
Dennis Dio Parker, Toyota Motor North America
2018
Kevin Diamond, Wacker Chemical Corportion
2017
Brad Levi, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
2016
Tami Hatfield, Ford Motor Company
2015
Danette Wilder, SealingLife, Inc.
2014
Larry Dean, White Drive Products
2013
Dale Budke, Moulding and Millwork
2012
Larry Combs, Brown-Forman Corporation
2011
James Myers, Whip Mix Corporation
2010
Ray Leathers, Roll Forming Corporation
2009
Wayne Allen, Shelby Industries
2008
Danuta Hatcher, Unilever Foods
2007
Scotty Lippert, Clopay Corporation
Our mission at the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers is to make a better Kentucky by promoting and growing manufacturing in the Commonwealth.
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