The Volusia Manufacturers Association established its Awards program to honor  the excellence in manufacturing in Volusia and Flagler counties.  The outstanding companies recognized inspire others to make such exceptional behavior the norm. This year’s Gala Annual Awards Banquet will be extra special as the VMA will also celebrate its 30th Anniversary on December 2, 2010 at the Sunset Harbor Yacht Club in Daytona Beach.

The benefits of participating in the VMA Awards program:

• The nomination process requires an assessment of where a manufacturer has been, where it is, and where it is heading. Past nominees have noted significant value as a result of the evaluation process.
• Organizations that win VMA awards obtain a market advantage and well-deserved media coverage in their communities and business publications. Award winners can also use the VMA Awards logo to promote their company and products with external marketing campaigns, web sites, sales presentations, and publicity.
• Many companies have cited their workers as deserving credit for their awards.  This is a morale booster. Executives have used the honor as an employee retention tool in showing appreciation to associates for jobs well done.

Compelling reasons to submit an application for the Awards selection process:

• Share your story - businesses have great ones to tell
• Recognize employee hard work and dedication that has contributed to your company's success
• Highlight corporate citizenship - manufacturers are assets to local communities and are good corporate citizens
• Join the ranks of other notable manufacturers
• Receive well-deserved press coverage
• Promote industry firsts and significant accomplishments

The following four awards require an application and a review by the VMA Board of Examiners:

The Lou Fifer Manufacturer of the Year recognizes the area’s top manufacturing company. Nominations solicited from general membership.  This award was named after the founding Executive Director in 2009.  Lou Fifer lived his life as a champion of Americanism, capitalism and free enterprise. He was a vigorous, positive thinker.  He believed in the power of manufacturing.  The winner of this award will embody his beliefs.
SUBMIT APPLICATION

Best Practices Award presented to manufacturers with exceptional practices in a particular business areas. The areas for consideration are intentionally broad and may involve any aspect of a manufacturer’s business endeavor. There can be more than one Best Practices Award.  Nominations are solicited from the general membership.
SUBMIT APPLICATION

Exporter of the Year Award This award will be presented to a Volusia County firm that has demonstrated outstanding export performance.  It was established by the partnership of the Volusia County Economic Development Department and the VMA.
SUBMIT APPLICATION

Green Award, new in 2010, will be presented to the company with practices and policies that show sustainability and environmental leadership.
SUBMIT APPLICATION

These three Award winners are selected by the VMA Executive Committee:

Friend of Industry Lois Fifer Memorial Award is presented to the Associate member who has done the most to further the interests of manufacturing and the VMA.

Member of the Year Karl Schiller Memorial Award is presented to the VMA Manufacturer member who has made the most significant contribution to the success of VMA. 

“Manny” Award is presented to an individual for life-long achievement in manufacturing in Volusia County. The person is
inducted into the Manufacturers Hall of Fame.

The Awards Banquet is always a gala event celebrating the importance of the backbone of America in our local community.