Nominations being accepted for annual Industry Awards

ALBANY — The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission is seeking the community’s help in recognizing and honoring vital Albany area industries, as nominations are open for the EDC’s 2017 Industry Awards.

Nominations are currently being accepted in four categories: global commerce, economic impact, excellence in innovation and corporate community citizenship.

The Global Commerce Award, which was presented last year to Pfizer, recognizes existing industries that have a significant impact in overseas trade and have developed a global market. The Excellence in Innovation Award, which was given to Procter & Gamble in 2016, recognizes an area industry that has demonstrated work force excellence, while also utilizing breakthrough technology and innovative practices.

The Economic Impact Award, which was presented to Mars Chocolate North America last year, shines a light on a local industry for its years in operation, as well as for any recent expansions that have led to job creation and retention, capital investment and increased sales.

The Corporate Citizenship Award, which is now known as the Only One Albany Award, was presented to Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany in 2016 and recognizes an area industry that has taken an active role in community involvement while also fostering an atmosphere of volunteerism.

Nominations for the various award categories are open to industries located within Albany and Dougherty County and will close April 5. The awards themselves will be presented to this year’s winners during a special Rise N Shine breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn on April 19.

The breakfast, which is co-sponsored by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, serves as the highlight of Industry Celebration Week, during which the EDC and the community as a whole recognize Albany’s and Dougherty County’s diverse industry base and the various ways those existing industries impact the community.

“Existing industries are vital for growth in local economies, and in Albany/Dougherty County we’re fortunate to have a diverse industrial base that represents health care, defense, logistics, professional services and manufacturing, among others,” said Justin Strickland, president of the Economic Development Commission. “Industry Celebration Week is the one week that we focus on our existing industries and really try to shine a bright light on the impact they have on the community, and to give them the recognition they deserve.

“Those industries play a big role in making Albany and Dougherty County what they are. We like to turn the spotlight on them.”

Nomination forms for this year’s awards can be accessed at www.choosealbany.com under the “data and downloads” tab or on ADEDC’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Additional Industry Celebration Week activities include the reading of a joint city of Albany and Dougherty County proclamation on April 18 at 1:30 p.m. and a special chamber Business After Hours at the George Brown Exhibit Hall at the Riverfront Resource Center at 125 Pine Avenue on April 20, from 5-7 p.m.