Less Than 10 Days Remain to Apply for Distinguished Manufacturing Awards

June 4, 2009

CHARLESTON, SC – June 4, 2009 – The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the Silver Crescent Foundation are seeking nominations for the 2009 Silver Crescent Manufacturer of the Year awards. The deadline for submissions is June 12, 2009, and the distinguished Salute to Manufacturing will be held on September 22, 2009 at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMT) in Florence.

The awards luncheon will honor the Silver Crescent Manufacturer of the Year in three categories and provide an opportunity for manufacturers and community leaders to recognize the accomplishments of South Carolina’s best and brightest companies. The South Carolina Chamber and the Silver Crescent Foundation have long supported manufacturing, and this joint celebration of manufacturing achievements is a natural progression.

The application and selection process is simple and straightforward. Selection is based upon:

•         Quality Improvement Efforts

•         Quality of Life Programs

•         Improvements in the Environment

•         Involvement in Local Community & Economic Development

•         Education and Workforce Development

•         Overall Effectiveness

The two organizations encourage the business community to nominate outstanding candidates. Application forms are available at www.scchamber.net and www.silvercrescentsc.org. Nominations should be submitted no later than Friday, June 12, 2009 to the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, 1201 Main Street, Suite 1700, Columbia, S.C. 29201 or fax to (803)779-6043.

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s first state chamber Accredited with Distinction by the U.S. Chamber, is the state’s largest statewide broad-based business and industry trade association representing more than 6,500 member companies and more than 600,000 member employees, with 90 percent of membership comprised of small businesses. As the unified voice for business and industry, the Chamber is a catalyst for increasing per capita income and enhancing the state’s global competitiveness in order to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians.

The Silver Crescent Foundation’s mission is to promote manufacturing vitality and career opportunities in South Carolina. The Foundation is made up of business and education leaders across the state who are committed to supporting manufacturing’s continued success.