Kraft wins Maufacturer of the Year 2000

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Springfield manufacturers experienced the power of cheese Dec. 13 when Kraft Foods Inc. was presented with the 2000 Manufacturer of the Year award by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.|ret||ret||tab|

The manufacturer of cheese products, pasta and sauces was honored in a luncheon ceremony at the University Plaza Hotel. |ret||ret||tab|

Kraft was chosen from a field of three finalists Kraft, Dameron Color Labs Inc. and Aire-Master of America Inc. The award is presented each year by the Springfield chamber's Manufacturers Council. |ret||ret||tab|

Kraft Foods Plant Manager Joseph Lewis accepted the award on behalf of the 1,100 employees at the company's 2035 E. Bennett location. |ret||ret||tab|

Kraft was also a finalist for the 1997 Manufacturer of the Year award and has been a major Springfield area employer since 1939.|ret||ret||tab|

"Receiving this award in 2000 actually highlights many of the things Kraft has been doing this year trying to improve our strategies, working with our associates and also being a good corporate citizen. This award validates a lot of the hard work this year by our managers and associates," Lewis said. |ret||ret||tab|

The selection of the Manufacturer of the Year is based on criteria including business stability and growth, business management philosophy, response to challenges, innovative products and services and community involvement. |ret||ret||tab|

An independent panel of judges visited each nominee's plant to witness firsthand how each company operates, according to information from the chamber. |ret||ret||tab|

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