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Manufacturers to be honored Dec. 9

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by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

For several years, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has sponsored annual Small Business Week events to honor local businesses. Four years ago it was decided that the same kind of recognition could and should be given to the local manufacturing industry.

Thus began the annual Manufacturer of the Year Award ceremony, according to Greg Williams, manager of business development at the chamber.

The purpose of the event is the recognition of excellence, Williams said.

This year marks the fourth annual awards luncheon honoring the three finalists and announcing the 1998 winner. This year's nominees are Hiland Dairy Foods, Dayco Products Inc. and Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co.

The selection of finalists and the Manufacturer of the Year is made by a panel of judges chosen from the chamber's industrial council.

The council is made up of manufacturers, vendors and other related businesses from the three-county area of Greene, Christian and Webster.

Companies from the three counties can be nominated by another business, banks or by their customers. The council then chooses a five-member panel of judges to review applications for the award.

The number of nominations received each year has ranged from seven to 15. Judges use a ranking system to narrow the list to three choices. The winner is then selected from the three finalists.

Based on the judging system, which takes into account several factors, it is conceivable a company could win the award more than once, but it hasn't happened yet, Williams said.

Winners for the three previous years were Aaron's Automotive Products, Southern Missouri Container and Hagale Industries.

Randy Hyde, human resources manager at Hiland, said the company considers it an honor to be in the running, and all the employees are pleased about the nomination.

Hiland was founded on quality in 1938, Hyde said.

In the beginning the company purchased from regional suppliers, but production grew to meet increasing demand, and Hiland had to range outside the area for more raw product.

Hyde said Hiland's mission is threefold. The company sets high standards and continually tries to exceed them. It hires quality employees most of the employees have been with the company for many years. The final goal is to provide a reasonable return for the owners.

At Dayco Products, Plant Manager Jerry Parks said being nominated for the award speaks well of Dayco and its employees.

"I think it's a very prestigious award, and it is a honor to be chosen," Sparks said.

Sparks also listed a three-part mission. The primary goal at Dayco is to please the customers, giving them a product that meets their expectations.

The company strives to provide a safe and pleasant work environment for employees and to be a good neighbor to the community. Dayco has been in Springfield for 39 years.

Ed Rice, president of Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co., stated his family-owned and -operated business is honored to be in the line-up and to be recognized as a manufacturer, and not just a distributor, of Coke products.

Coca-Cola has been in Springfield since 1905, and the Rice family has owned and managed the business since 1920.

Rice commented that the company has grown, not only in size but in technology.

"We're doing the same thing, only better," he said.

The water used in all Coke products is specially treated to remove all chemical and mineral taste.

At the plant employees strive to keep the taste the same and to focus on the customer.

Several Rice family members are part of the business and they not only pull together as a team but work to keep a good relationship with employees, many of whom are long-term.

The awards luncheon will be held at noon Dec. 9 at the University Plaza.

The $15 tickets must be purchased in advance and can be reserved by calling Courtney Kirk at the chamber, 862-5567. Reservations should be made no later than Dec. 7.

PHOTO CAPTION:

An employee at Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. watches as bottles fill with Dr Pepper.

PHOTO CAPTION:

A Hiland Dairy employee stacks ice cream boxes. Hiland is one of three finalists for Manufactuer of the Year 1998.

PHOTO CAPTION:

Dayco employees prepare belts at the 39-year-old Springfield business.[[In-content Ad]]

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