News Release

August 17th, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Martin A. Kish
(502) 352-2485 - Office
(859) 351-8420 - Mobile

Nominations Now Open for KAM Manufacturer, Employee of Year Prosperity Awards

New User-Friendly Nomination Process; Nominations Deadline – Friday, Sept. 5

Frankfort -- Nominations are now open for the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) 2008 Manufacturer and Employee of the Year Prosperity Awards that will be announced at a special luncheon at the Galt House in Louisville on Friday, Nov. 7 at 11:30 a.m., according to Jim LeMaster, KAM president and CEO.

For the first time ever, all nominations will be submitted in a user-friendly essay format by going on-line to www.kamanufacturers.com and clicking on the appropriate icon, says LeMaster.
Nominations for both employee and company awards must be submitted through the website by no later than end of day Friday, Sept. 5, 2008.

“This year we are calling both the manufacturer and employee awards ‘Prosperity Awards’ because of the massive contribution this industry and its employees make to Kentucky’s future prosperity,” says Ruth Billings, KAM director of operations.Following are criteria for both the company and employee Prosperity Awards:

Company Prosperity Award Criteria (Submit On-Line Essay of Max. 1,000 Words)

  • Innovation – Product development, growth and entrepreneurial leadership.
    Describe on-site production of innovative, award winning, “world class” products and/or services; unique or innovative product designs/processes; recognized characteristics such as high-quality products, low defect rates, etc.
  • Corporate Citizenship – Recognized leadership in making a key contribution to the quality of life in the Commonwealth and/or the community in which the company resides.
    Describe nominee’s “corporate citizenship” such as contributing financial or volunteer resources to local/statewide charitable/non-profit organizations (e.g., schools, little league, parks, libraries, food pantries, free family clinics, etc.)
  • Advocacy - Active involvement in organizations that advance manufacturing
    and industry.
    List leadership roles, financial/volunteer/expertise support, memberships, etc. in local chambers of commerce, industry trade associations, political action committees and any other groups that advance manufacturing and industry in Kentucky and/or the United States.

Employee Prosperity Award Criteria (Submit On-Line Essay of Max. 300 Words)

  • Innovation – Presenting new ideas and helpful suggestions.
    Describe creative ideas and suggestions that this nominee has contributed that have helped improve productivity, workflow, efficiency, profitability, or enhanced the overall success of the enterprise. Include unique or innovative product designs/processes or ideas that helped improve quality or produce low defect rates, etc.
  • Teamwork – Working well with others to solve problems.
    Describe how this nominee consistently helps and works with fellow employees without being asked; eagerly takes part in group or team projects; and thinks of others and the needs of the enterprise before thinking of self.
  • Community Service – Volunteering time and/or other resources to give something back to the community.
    Describe how this nominee, outside of work, engages in some form of “giving back” to the community such as volunteerism, coaching, local government, schools, civic activities or other forms of altruism.
  • Leadership – Setting a good example or being a positive role model for other employees.
    Describe how this nominee demonstrates high integrity, ethical behavior, exceptional work habits, a strong work ethic and strong character that influence his or her fellow employees.

To nominate a company or employee for a 2008 Prosperity Award, go to www.kamanufacturers.com by no later than Friday, Sept. 5, 2008.

About KAM
Established in 1911, the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers is the Commonwealth’s only manufacturing trade association. KAM’s mission is to raise the prosperity of all Kentuckians by protecting and growing our state’s economic engine: manufacturing. KAM proactively works with elected officials, policymakers, chambers of commerce, other associations, economic development experts, the news media, the general public and its own members to drive results through eight branded initiatives: ProsperousKentuckysm, ProductiveKentuckysm, FreedomKentuckysm, SmartKentuckysm, HealthyKentuckysm, HonestKentuckysm, MarketKentuckysm and CleanKentuckysm. On the web at www.KAManufacturers.com