W&A Sponsors ACC 2016 Industry Appreciation Dinner

Mayor Nancy Denson and Frank Ginn - ACC Industry Appreciation Dinner Athens GA

Mayor Nancy Denson Entertains at the ACC Industry Appreciation Dinner

On Monday evening, April 18, 2016, as part of Georgia’s Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW), Athens-Clarke County’s Economic Development Department hosted their annual Industry Appreciation Dinner at the Athens Cotton Press.

W&A Engineering was proud to sponsor this great event honoring the manufacturing industry in Athens-Clarke County, and its tremendous contribution to the county’s economic well-being.

Congratulations to the following 2016 ACC Community Commitment Award winners, whose long-standing commitment to the Athens community has propelled the industry:

Recognizing Outstanding Athens-Clarke County Manufacturers

Caterpillar Inc. was awarded ACC Manufacturer of the Year, in recognition of its positive influence on our labor force and the plant’s emphasis on education.

Caterpillar Manufacturer of the Year Award - 2016 ACC Industry Appreciation Dinner Athens GA

Mayor Nancy Denson Honors Caterpillar as 2016 Athens-Clarke County Manufacturer of the Year, Along with Ryan Moore (left), the ACC Director of Economic Development

According to the Athens Banner-Herald, to be considered for the award, “companies must demonstrate significant community involvement, have a demonstrated economic impact on the community, and show a commitment to building up their respective workforces.”.

Other local nominees include Eaton Corporation, a power management company, and McCann Aerospace Machining, one of Georgia’s largest aerospace metal machining companies. All three companies were nominated by Athens Technical College.

Leading Athens Economic Development

Karl Eberle, president of Eberle Companies and former senior vice-president of global manufacturing for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, spoke to the dinner guests about his experiences evaluating manufacturing companies.
Other leaders to address dinner guests were Nancy Denson, Mayor of Athens-Clarke County; Ryan Moore,ACC Economic Development Director; Robert Finch, Vice President of Human Resources for Athens Regional Medical Center; Blaine Williams, ACC Manager, and Todd Henry, Operations Manager of Caterpillar Inc.’s Athens Facility.

“W&A Engineering is very proud to have been a part of this event and to continue to work with the ACC Economic Development team, I believe they are doing a great job supporting and encouraging the growth of our existing industries and it is that potential growth that will ultimately have a very positive impact on our community.” – Jon Williams

Representing W&A Engineering

Jon Williams - 2016 ACC Industry Appreciation Dinner Athens GA.jpg

Jon Williams (left), with Doug Brouillard, Engineering Manager at Eaton, at the ACC Manufacturing Industry Appreciation Dinner

Representing the W&A team were Jon Williams, Principal; Frank Pittman, Partner & Director of Engineering; Mark Dunlap, Partner & Director of Surveying; Justin Greer, Director of Economic Development; and Mary Charles Howard, Director of Marketing. Mary Charles has served on the ACC Industry Appreciation Dinner’s organizing board for two years running.

W&A Engineering is committed to providing the community with innovative, efficient, and affordable solutions to today’s complex development issues, and we are proud to work alongside the local manufacturing industry to move Athens economic development forward.