Athens-Clarke County’s annual Industry Appreciation Dinner was held last week to celebrate the contributions that local manufacturers make to the Athens community.  The event was attended by over 100 guests, including local, State and national elected officials, community leaders and the captains of industry throughout Athens.  Gus Whalen, of the Warren Featherbone Foundation, presented the Keynote Speech that inspired the audience with the persistence and ingenuity of the Warren Featherbone Company, a business that has been in his family for over 100 years.  The event was held at the recently renovated Cotton Press in the Chase Park Warehouses. 

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Manufacturer of the Year Award.  Dr. Flora Tydings, president of Athens Technical College, presented Mr. Dominique De Jaeger, General Manager of NORAMCO, this prestigious award for NORAMCO’s significant contributions to our local and regional economy.  NORAMCO, a manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, has operated in Athens since 1982.  They have had an impact of over 20 million dollars through employment and community service programs.  NORAMCO is an incredible steward of the Athens community and is deeply committed to causes of youth development and empowerment, disaster relief and professional development.  Their employees are frequent volunteers for dozens of local non-profits and the company contributes substantially to their educational partners in both the K-12 and technical college systems.  “Noramco is a Johnson & Johnson company and as such we run our day to day business according to the values embedded in Our Credo, ” shares De Jaeger.  “Giving back to the community in which we have the privilege to operate is a key element of Our Credo . Being recognized with the “Manufacturer of the Year” award is a monumental  achievement for us at Athens Noramco plant.  It shows that we are an integral part of the Athens community and appreciated for what we do, which is a top priority for the Johnson & Johnson family of companies.”  NORAMCO was also recently honored with an O.W.L. (Outstanding Workforce Leader) Award for their impact on the educational system and the workforce of tomorrow.

Noramco is just one of many manufacturers who make a significant impact on the local economy. However, the impacts of manufacturing are often overlooked.  In Athens-Clarke County, industrial properties accounted for over ninety million dollars in tax digest growth from 2013 to 2014 and manufacturers employed over six thousand workers.  Research has shown that for every job that is created in manufacturing, an additional 3 are created in support industries in the community.  These jobs are highly desirable, as manufacturing pays a wage that is 40% higher than the average for our community.  

Several other local manufacturers were honored at the dinner.  Merial, an animal health product company in Athens for over 25 years, Thornton Brothers, a janitorial supply company in Athens for over 75 years, and Peterson Spring, an engineered metal products company in Athens for over 100 years, were recipients of Community Commitment Awards for their ongoing engagement with the Athens community.  Over the years, these companies have employed hundreds of people and invested directly in the Athens economy through capital improvements and charitable donations.

The event was hosted by the Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department and sponsored by Georgia Power, Williams & Associates Land Planners, Pattillo Construction, Atlanta Gas Light, Athens Regional Medical Center and Athens First Bank & Trust.