Chamber seeks manufacturer award nominees

Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 1.

Allen Kunkel, manager of regional development for the chamber, said the award, now in its 12th year, is judged by a panel of individuals who are generally representatives of previously honored manufacturers.

For the past several years, Drury University’s Students in Free Enterprise chapter also has assisted with applications and judging.

To be eligible for the award, companies must be members of the chamber and have at least 25 employees.

Nominees are evaluated on factors such as business stability and growth, employee development, product development and sustainability, environmental, health and safety performance and community involvement.

Three finalists will be recognized, with one company chosen for the award at a special event Dec. 13, Kunkel said.

Kunkel said manufacturing is “a huge part of our economy,” with more than 20,000 people in southwest Missouri employed in the industry.

“It’s not just the number of manufacturers (here) but the number of people they employ,” Kunkel said. “Traditionally, they’re a higher wage earner, so the overall spin-off effect that a manufacturing company has is very significant to our economy.”

Many factors make the Ozarks a good place for manufacturers, Kunkel said.

“The cost of doing business is very favorable here, the tax rates, utility costs,” he said.

“Our location … good transportation access is important, and the work force is a key component – the work ethic and the skill levels that folks have … the work force is always a continuous draw.”

Nominations for Manufacturer of the Year can be submitted online at www.springfieldchamber.com.

Manufacturer of the Year Honorees

1995 Aaron’s Automotive

1996 Southern Missouri Containers (now SMC Packaging)

1997 Hagale Industries

1998 Hiland Dairy

1999 Litton Interconnect Technologies (now Northrop Grumman Interconnect)

2000 Kraft Foods

2001 The Maiman Co.

2002 Regen Technologies

2003 3M Co.

2004 Megavolt

2005 Edmonds Dental Prosthetics Inc.

Source: Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce