SC Manufacturing Champions honored with the 2023 Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award

April 27, 2023

Sara Hazzard, President and CEO, South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance; SC Senator Ross Turner; Max Metcalf, Manager of Government and Community Relations, BMW Manufacturing Co., and Chuck Hall, President of Barnet and past Chair of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance

The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) has awarded Max Metcalf, Manager of Government and Community Relations of BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC, and Ross Turner, South Carolina State Senator of District 8, as the 2023 recipients of the Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award.

Established in 2006, the 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. The Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award is the most prestigious honor an individual can receive from the SCMA.

“South Carolina’s economic success and prosperity depends on a strong and competitive manufacturing industry,” said Sara Hazzard, President and CEO of the SCMA. “The growth and advancements manufacturing has achieved in our state is extraordinary, and that has been accomplished thanks to dedicated leaders in both the private and public sectors who recognize the importance of supporting pro-manufacturing policies and activities that make the Palmetto State a better place to work and live. That’s why we honor the individuals who have made incredible and long-lasting contributions to enhancing manufacturing with this prestigious award. We’re proud to recognize Max Metcalf and Senator Ross Turner as the 2023 recipients of the Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award.”

“Being a part of an industry whose impact makes such a positive impact in countless lives, enhances communities, and invents the future has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Manufacturing is South Carolina’s economic engine – and for more than a century, it has been the driver of unmatched prosperity and opportunity for so many generations of our citizens. Receiving this award is a humbling honor. The Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award is a reminder that when the public and private sectors work together to create a pro-business environment, we can have a meaningful impact throughout our great state. “– Max Metcalf, Manager of Government and Community Relations, BMW Manufacturing Co.

“Our thriving manufacturing sector continues to drive our state’s economy. This industry drives international commerce, provides good-paying jobs for our citizens, and has a positive impact throughout the Palmetto State. Manufacturing and its great careers are an important part of our past and an essential part of our future as it continues to enhance the quality of life for South Carolinians. I’m proud of the fact that South Carolina is an advanced manufacturing state and will continue to support this important industry as well as the education and training programs that are essential to its success.” – SC Senator Ross Turner

About the 2023 Award Recipients

Max Metcalf joined BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in 2001 and is the Manager of Government and Community Relations. Prior to joining BMW, Metcalf spent 14 years working in public policy roles for the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the Office of Congressman Bob Inglis, and the Office of Governor Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. He is a Commissioner of the South Carolina Department of Transportation for the Fourth Congressional District and is a past chair of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce, and Upstate SC Alliance. Metcalf received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Clemson University in 1986. He resides in Greenville with his wife and their daughter.

Ross Turner is the State Senator of District 8 in Greenville. Elected in 2012, he serves on the Finance; Banking and Insurance; Labor Commerce and Industry; Education; and Corrections and Penology committees. Senator Turner is the President of the Turner Agency, an independent insurance agency headquartered in Greenville, and has more than 30 years of experience as a small business owner. Senator Turner received a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Management from Clemson University in 1986. A lifelong resident of Greenville, he and his wife have a son, two daughters, and are proud grandparents to a 7-month-old grandson.

 

South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
www.myscma.com

The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of manufacturers. Its mission is to strengthen and advance South Carolina manufacturing by advocating for our members, fostering a world-class workforce, and bringing together manufacturers to connect, share, and solve industry challenges. The SCMA membership is comprised of more than 200 manufacturing companies that represent more than 100,000 associates in South Carolina.