Rich Products Corporation, nominated by ATC and the Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority, is the founder of the non-dairy segment of the frozen food industry and a leading supplier and solutions-provider to the retail, food service, and in-store bakery marketplaces.  The corporation, which posts annual sales exceeding $2.65 billion, employs more than 7,200 people worldwide and sells a variety of products to 73 countries. The Consumer Brands Division of Rich Products is located on St. Simons Island and is responsible for the successful portfolio of Rich products sold to consumers at retail grocery and club stores nationwide.  Brands include SeaPak Shrimp Company, the nation’s #1 selling retail shrimp brand within the frozen specialty category; Farm Rich, delicious appetizers that include the #1 selling cheese sticks in the country; WorldCatch, the first all-natural brand of value-added seafood; Casa Di Bertacchi, the gold standard for authentic Italian meatballs; Byron’s Authentic Bar-B-Q; and Jon Donaire decadent desserts.  Rich Products is a generous contributor to various charities such as United Way, American Cancer Society Relay for Life & Gala Benefit, Cystic Fibrosis, The Golden Isles Red Trout Classic, Coastal Conservation Association, Habitat for Humanity, Southeast Georgia Health System, Amity House, The Gathering Place, and the Boys and Girls Club, among others.  Rich Products is also active in assisting the education community through its work with Communities in School of Glynn and Partners in Education/Glynn Athletic Association.  The company also aids in preparing students for work, and provides funding support for local colleges.  Rich Products has a very progressive employee development program, including training in diversity, affirmative action, employee recognition programs, incentive plans, and 401k participation plans.  

“This nomination is a great honor,” said Jack Kilgore, President, Consumer Brands Division, Rich Products Corporation.   “We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from this community, and we’re pleased to continue giving back and making a difference in this place we call home.” 

Haven Manufacturing Corporation, nominated by ATC and the Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority, is a manufacturer of OEM processing equipment for the metal tube industry and the company has been in operation in Glynn County for 39 years.  Haven Manufacturing was nominated because of its community involvement and leadership in the machine tool industry. Haven Manufacturing provides support to the Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority, the Golden Isles Career Academy, and Community in Schools. Haven Manufacturing has received awards from the US Department of Commerce for Export Achievement, FMA for Safety, and the Department of Labor Safety Award of Excellence. Haven Manufacturing has a very progressive employee relations system with Flex-time, Education reimbursement, 401k profit sharing , year-end bonus, recognition programs and safety awareness rewards.

When told of their nomination for small manufacturer of the year Dave Erickson, President, said “It is an honor to be nominated for this prestigious award. Haven Manufacturing is proud of its achievements as an employer and as an active supporter of business and educational advancement in our community.”

Bayer Crop Science (Woodbine Plant), nominated by ATC and the Camden County Chamber of Commerce, is a formulation site for Temik® pesticide and has been in operation in Camden County for  47 years. Bayer is a generous contributor to various charities such as United Way, Camden and Glynn County schools, American Cancer Society, Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, Special Olympics for Disabled Children, Habitat for Humanity, Hubbard House for Battered Women and Children and others. The Safety program provided $4,000 for America’s Second Harvest. Bayer also provides assistance to the education programs by providing judges for school science fairs, providing science DVDs, and providing Making Science Make Sense for the 5th grade classes of Camden County. Bayer is very proactive with their diversity training by bringing in national acclaimed diversity speakers such as Dr. Steve Robbins.
When told of their nomination for small manufacturer of the year John Drew, Site Manager said, “We, at the Bayer Crop Science, Woodbine Plant, are proud to have been nominated as the Manufacturer of the Year in the small business category for Camden County.  We are committed to our continued support of the local community which has served our Temik® business well for over 40 years.”

Altamaha Technical College president Lorette Hoover states, “We have a 20 year history of supporting the economic empowerment of companies, individuals, and communities.  The College does this by providing customized training for companies and industries; associate degrees, diplomas and certificates for the individual; and adult literacy and academic support to the community.  Altamaha Technical College is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and a proud sponsor of the Manufacturer of the Year program.”  For more information on customized training specifically designed for an individual company’s and industry’s needs contact Hank Martin at 912-588-2578.  

The highlight of the celebration is the Governor’s award luncheon in Atlanta on April 15th. At this luncheon the selection of the top three companies, out of more than 100 nominations, will be revealed. All companies nominated will receive a plaque that commemorates their nomination.