Valley Industrial Association Honors Member Achievements With 2018 Spark Awards

GENEVA, Ill., March 21, 2018 – Winners of the second annual Spark Awards were announced at the Valley Industrial Association dinner on March 15 at Riverside Receptions in Geneva.

“The Spark Awards is an opportunity to refresh, renew and remember that here, in the Greater Fox Valley area, our companies are making a difference,” said Kathy Gilmore, VIA president. “Whether it’s through Green initiatives that are helping save our environment or through initiatives that help grow the future workforce by inspiring students, the awards highlight our VIA Best of Class.”

VIA member companies are honored for their accomplishments in seven categories: Manufacturing Career Awareness, Product, Sustainability, Community Service and Outreach, Safety, Human Resources and for Individual Recognition.

2018 honorees included:

• Smith & Richardson, Manufacturing Career Awareness
• MTH Pumps, Sustainability
• Pioneer Service, Community Service and Outreach
• Tek Pak Inc., Safety
• United Scrap Metal, Human Resources

“The Spark Awards are a great way to shine a positive light on manufacturers,” said Tim Tremain, VIA board chairman and president of MTH Pumps of Plano “This type of recognition helps companies retain and attract top talent by showing that our members make positive strides in their communities, with their employees and with their customers.”

“It’s a great honor to be recognized for this award,” said Renee Carter, Human Resources Manager and Safety Committee Advisor. “Our program began with the desire of our owner, Tony Beyer to make sure every employee returns home safety to their family daily.” She attributes their success to a partnership with WCTI. “The relationship with our loss control representative has provided us with the tools necessary to make our program a success. The MSAP program held our feet to the fire and helped us to focus our energies on the most important task.” She emphasized that the the credit really belongs to the safety committee. “They worked hard to help develop the program and change the culture. Without their hard work and dedication none of this would be possible. Now we have buy in from all employees and that is the true payoff.”

About the Valley Industrial Association

Headquartered in Geneva, Ill., the Valley Industrial Association is a value-added partner with 225 members throughout the Fox Valley and Chicagoland area. Founded in 1902, the VIA provides strategic resources, relevant educational programming and networking opportunities that help its members meet or exceed their business objectives. Check out the VIA calendar of more than 100 events hosted throughout the year.