The accomplishments of local business and industry were honored on November 19 during the Athens Tech Foundation’s second annual Outstanding Workforce Leadership (O.W.L.) Awards.  Held at The Classic Center, a full ballroom of attendees celebrated the accomplishments of O.W.L. Award recipients. 

The O.W.L. Awards are designed to celebrate individuals involved with business and industry.  Each of the companies in attendance had the opportunity to select their own unique reasons for honoring an individual or group of individuals.   

Maxine Burton, founder and COO of burton + Burton, served as the honorary chairwoman for the 2015 O.W.L. Awards.  Durwood Fincher, also known as Mr. Doubletalk, provided entertainment for the celebration.

In addition to serving as a celebration of business and industry in the local area, the O.W.L. Awards serves as a fundraiser for the Athens Tech Foundation.  Each year the Athens Tech Foundation provides college scholarships and GED® testing fee vouchers for local students.  Over $100,000 in scholarships and testing fee vouchers were provided to students by the Athens Tech Foundation last year.  

Edward Graham, Athens Tech Foundation chairman, remarked on the unique nature of the luncheon.  “The O.W.L. Awards are billed as a celebration of communities, industry excellence, and the future of workforce,” said Graham. 

“Today’s event truly is a celebration,” Dr. Gail Thaxton, interim president of Athens Technical College, stated during the luncheon.  “It is a celebration and recognition of so much of what is great about Athens Technical College – high achievement, service, passion, and generosity.”

“I would also like to thank our sponsors,” added Dr. Thaxton.  “Your generosity provides opportunity and opportunities realized have a direct impact on the lives of our students and the economic development of our region.” 

The mission of the Athens Tech Foundation is to partner with Athens Technical College and with the community to build the workforce of today and for the future.  Jennifer Griffeth, director of institutional advancement at Athens Technical College, echoed the core of the mission in her closing remarks.

“We hope you have met industry leaders, new friends, and supporters of the college and community who care deeply about the positive experience of all the students at Athens Technical College,” said Griffeth. 

The following companies and individuals were recognized during the O.W.L. Awards.

Carrier Transicold – Entire Company

Georgia Power – Roger Tench, Richard Walters, Cary Bennett

Zaxby’s – Shanice Appling, Zach Baugus, and Josh Campbell

Noramco – Abby Hovath, Jesse Painter, Lauren McLean, Ben King, Horace Jordan, Pete Goodridge, Ruth Campbell, Michael Blocker

Power Partners – The PPI Express Team, The Maintenance Team, The BMWs Team

Caterpillar – Terry Vautour, Jade Tharp, Allen Smart, Edgar Sanchez, Tanesha Rambert, Kevin Pruitt, Lindsey Pratt, Greg Power, Virginia Parr, Catherine Hollingsworth, Nicholas Harrison, Woody Haralson, Lloyd Haney, Lynee Griffeth, Anna Garrison, Tommy Fleming, Rod Dowdy, BW Clark, Minja Cardzic

The Classic Center – Phillip Verrastro

burton + Burton – Cindy Dalton, Judith DePaola, Susie Franklin, Emma Lou Hubbard, Todd Moody, Joy Strzelecki

Athens Orthopedic Clinic – Cat Craft, Cari Fleeman, Kari King, Neale Maddox

Express Employment Professionals – Tim Aultman, Ketwana Bell, Brad Davidson, Catina Jennings, Jacqueline Latimore, Carolyn Pope, Tyler Reddish, Relecia Rodgers, Nathaniel Sartain, Greg Simmons

MollerTech South – Karen Raye, Tiffany Andrews, Shannon Beckham, Kayonna Cureton, Jennifer Rhodes, Jessica Rucker, Ella Saddler, Makayla Tate, Jenny Woody

Pinnacle Bank – Doug Clark, Debra Hunter, Anna Bryant, Michelle Carolus, Holli Gailey, Betsy Jourdan, Ronni Rice, Susan Singleton, Beth Stapp

Athens Regional Health System – Dr. Charles (Chuck) Peck

St. Mary’s Health Care System – Carol Parks

Valspar – David Smith, Caleb Vickery, Josh Nash, Sandy Sill

Terrapin Beer Company – Eron Bird, Daniel Armstrong, Bobby Epperson, Stacey Moon, Lauren Dye, Justin Gwin, Lawrence Ferguson, Josh Lane

Athens Technical College – Patty Melnick, Jennifer Burrell, Stuart Rolf, Dr. Jackie Wilson, Dr. Alysen Heil, Teresa Bowles

Athens First Bank & Trust – Kim Winston

Athens Transit – Pat Hale, Terry Ferguson

For additional information about the Athens Tech Foundation, visit www.athenstech.edu/foundation.