SC Senator Thomas Alexander and April Allen honored with the Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award

From left to right – Kevin Brown (Senior Vice President of Global Operations for Textile Division, Milliken & Company and SCMA Chair), April Allen, SC Senator Thomas Alexander, and Sara Hazzard (President & CEO, SC Manufacturers Alliance).

The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) celebrated the remarkable leadership and achievements of Senator Thomas Alexander and April Allen on Thursday and presented them with its highest honor – the 2024 Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award – during the SCMA Defenders of Manufacturing Awards annual dinner in Greenville.

“South Carolina’s manufacturing industry is the backbone of our economy, driving innovation and creating boundless opportunities,” said Sara Hazzard, President and CEO of the SCMA. “We are proud to recognize Senator Thomas Alexander and April Allen for their outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing manufacturing in our state. Their contributions have been instrumental in solidifying South Carolina’s position as a regional, national, and global manufacturing powerhouse.”

Established in 2006, the Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award recognizes individuals in the public and private sectors who have worked to advance the manufacturing industry in South Carolina. In 2012, the SCMA Board of Directors voted to rename the award to honor Mr. Roger Milliken, who passed away in December 2010. Recipients are chosen by the SCMA Executive Committee.

Senator Thomas Alexander has represented South Carolina in the SC Senate since 1994 and serves as President of the Senate. A tireless advocate for manufacturers, he has championed legal reforms, broadband expansion, and energy policies critical to the state’s economic growth. Senator Alexander’s leadership extends to numerous local organizations, and his efforts have helped lay the foundation for a thriving business environment in South Carolina.

April Allen is a government relations leader with over 20 years of experience in manufacturing, economic development, and construction. As U.S. Director of Government Relations for Continental, Allen has overseen strategies that address workforce development, environmental policy, and trade issues. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured the health and safety of thousands of manufacturing workers, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the industry’s success.