Fayette County swept the Georgia Economic Developers Association Existing Industry Awards Program recently at the World Congress Center in Atlanta.

More than 400 members packed the ballroom for this year's ceremony. Secretary of State Cathy Cox presided over the awards presentation.

Florida Rock Industries — Tyrone Quarry was named the statewide winner for small manufacturers (industries with fewer than 75 employees), and Hoshizaki America Inc. walked away with the statewide award for large manufacturers (industries with greater than 76 employees).

The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce nominated both companies; they were the 1999 recipients of the local Spirit of Industry Awards sponsored by the Existing Industry Committee of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. “We have set a standard of excellence that is unprecedented,” remarked chamber Chairman Tate Godfrey. “It is nearly unheard of for one county to walk away with the statewide award in two categories. I am extremely proud of the work done by our president Elissa Hall and the work of the Existing Industry Committee of the Chamber.”

The Governor's Existing Industry Appreciation Award, sponsored by the Georgia Economic Developers Association, is presented to a for-profit business, service or manufacturing company that has made a substantial economic and/or social contribution to their community. Winners are selected from three categories: 1) small manufacturers with no more than 75 employees. 2) Large manufacturers with 76+ employees and 3) corporate office locations/service industries. Awards are given to one statewide winner in each of the three categories, regional winners from each of the 12 economic development regions of Georgia.

Florida Rock Industries Ò Tyrone Quarry has provided crushed stone and rock to the state for more than 20 years. During that time, the firm invested more than $4.5 million into its facility in Tyrone. The company, through its strategic development and planning, has increased the life of the quarry by 25 years as well as automating its re-crushing system, and upgrading its recycling program.

The company is active in the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and within the community.

Hoshizaki America Inc. has maintained a stable work force over the past 14 years, and currently employees 640 at its manufacturing plant in Peachtree City. To date the firm has invested almost $48 million into its plant, land and equipment. The company's payroll will provide a $222 million infusion into the local economy.

Hoshizaki America has more than nine employee enrichment programs, and spends many hours and dollars in the form of civic and charitable contributions, said Godfrey. The firm is an outstanding community partner, and has set a standard of excellence s the employer of choice in Fayette County, he added.

Companies interested in entering the local Spirit of Industry Awards competition should contact the Fayette Chamber at 770-461-9983. Applications will be available in July, with the award ceremony in October.

Local winners will be selected based on community involvement, employee enhancement programs and economic investment and growth. Winners of this award will be entered into the Governor's Existing Industry Appreciation Awards sponsored by the Georgia Economic Developers Association.

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