Lowcountry manufacturers celebrated for giving back at LMC annual event

Manufacturers have pledged more than $10 million dollars to local philanthropic efforts

Lowcountry manufacturers have awarded or pledged more than $10,000,000 to local and regional charities, non-profit organizations and educational institutions in recent years. These manufacturers, who made giving back to their local communities a priority for their businesses, were tonight celebrated at the Lowcountry Manufacturers Council (LMC) Annual Meeting and Dinner.

“Our state’s manufacturers transcend the role of simply being job creators – they are innovators, drivers of global commerce and committed members of their local communities,” said Sara Hazzard, President and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. “The impact these companies and their associates are making through strong partnerships, community collaboration, and financial support truly makes South Carolina a better place to work and live. We are so proud to recognize the incredible generosity and commitment that Lowcountry manufacturers have made through their philanthropic efforts.”

Arnhelm Mittelbach, the new President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (MBV), provided the keynote address to the industry leaders attending this year’s annual event.

“It is our team that makes us successful at Mercedes-Benz Vans. I thank the Lowcountry Manufacturers Council for the opportunity to share more about the current status and the team culture of the Mercedes-Benz Vans facility,” Mittelbach said.

Mittelbach has led MBV since March of this year. A native of Germany, he joined Daimler in 2002 after twelve years of service in the German Armed Forces. Since relocating to Charleston, Mittelbach has also become involved in the local community, serving on both the Board of the College of Charleston and the South Carolina Automotive Council. He is passionate about MBV’s efforts to support the community through partnerships with health and wellness events, STEM educational programs, environmental initiatives and cultural topics including the International African American Museum.

Tom Daffron of Ingevity, chairman of the Lowcountry Manufacturer Council, presented a check to The Center for Birds of Prey, whose avian ambassadors entertained guests before tonight’s dinner. These birds were used to educate students at Cainhoy Elementary School and beyond with the Year of the Bird program and other education initiatives. BP America and Nucor Steel Berkeley are proud sponsors of the program.

Some of the leading Lowcountry Manufacturers recognized tonight included BP America, Gel Engineering, Ingevity, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Nucor Steel Berkeley, Pegasus Steel, and Robert Bosch LLC. These and other regional manufacturers have contributed time, talent and money to organizations including:

American Cancer Society
American Red Cross
Be A Mentor
Center for Birds of Prey
Charleston Animal Society
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
HALOS
International African American Museum
Lowcountry Food Bank
Meals on Wheels
Metanoia
Palmetto Warrior Connection
South Carolina Aquarium
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
STEM programs in schools and colleges
Student college scholarships
Trident United Way
Veteran Programs
Water Mission
World Peace Games
YES Carolina
YMCA

Lowcountry Manufacturers Council
www.myscma.com/lowcountry-manufacturers/
The Lowcountry Manufacturers Council is an organization focused on the unique issues and common goals of the manufacturing sector. Its mission is to enhance the competitiveness, promote development of, and create positive impact upon the manufacturing sector of the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
www.myscma.com
Is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of manufacturers. Its mission is to elevate the quality of life for all South Carolinians by advancing the state’s manufacturing industry. The SCMA membership is comprised of more than 200 manufacturing companies that represent more than 80,000 associates in South Carolina.