Governor Proclaims June as Buy From Georgia Month
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) February 19, 2014 -- Gov. Nathan Deal showed his support for the mission of Georgia Manufacturing Expo (GME) by signing a proclamation declaring June 2014 as "Buy From Georgia Month." The proclamation makes Georgia the first state to encourage support for local manufacturers.
The proclamation comes as the manufacturing industry prepares for this year's Georgia Manufacturing Expo at the Gwinnett Center June 13-14. GME, whose mission is to spotlight "the best of Georgia manufacturing people, plants, and products," is hosting the event for the second year. With that goal in mind, the Expo this year will add "The EXPO Awards" - the only program in Georgia celebrating the people of the manufacturing industry.
"Nothing happens in Georgia's manufacturing industry without the tremendous collective effort of its workers," said Scott Luton, a member of GME's advisory board. "As a key new initiative within the Georgia Manufacturing Expo, we thought it would be the right thing to do to try to recognize these incredible employees and leaders, as well as some of their impressive contributions and accomplishments."
GME will award four Front Line Leadership awards and one Plant Manager of the Year award. Nominations are currently being accepted through May 2, 2014. How to submit a nomination can be found at GeorgiaManufacturingExpo.com. Professionals in the manufacturing industry will serve as judges and select five winners.
Luton added that one of the goals of the new awards program is to "create more awareness for the wide array of career opportunities within the manufacturing industry in Georgia."
In addition to the awards program, GME hosts year-round programming to educate consumers on locally made items. In late January the group toured ZF Wind Power plant in Gainesville and a tour of the Anhueser Busch brewery in Cartersville is scheduled this month. GME promotes the Georgia Partner Pledge which encourages Georgia residents to promise to buy locally made items when possible. It also publishes BuyFromGeorgia.com, a free and growing directory of companies making products throughout Georgia.
"We are so excited to have the support of Governor Deal," Jason Moss, founder of GME explained. "We have been working hard at educating people on the importance of manufacturing and we will continue to spotlight the great people, products, and plants of the manufacturing industry in Georgia."
Several US cities have similar proclamations supporting local businesses. In 2008, Local First Arizona received a proclamation from former Gov. Janet Napolitano for Independents Week. However, no state has focused support on the manufacturing industry. Georgia is home to more than 5,000 companies that manufacture products in state, or provide Georgia-based services or support.
The Georgia Manufacturing Expo is the main event in educating consumers on the Georgia manufacturing industry. GME wants consumers to understand the power and benefits of buying Georgia-made products. Buying local creates a proven boost in the economy, the job market, and in the community.
The Expo, which will take place this year on a Friday and Saturday, is free to the public with registration. The Georgia Manufacturing Awards will be held Friday.
Jason Moss, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, http://www.georgiamanufacturingexpo.com, +1 678-896-9312, [email protected]
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