Industry Appreciation Awards Dinner

Recognizing the efforts of Caldwell businesses

By Paul Teague, Local News Editor
Recognizing those who have contributed to the improvement of Caldwell County's business climate, the Economic Development Commission of Caldwell County had its 23rd Industry Appreciation Awards dinner Thursday night at the Hudson Uptown Building in Hudson.
"We are here to show our appreciation to business and industry in Caldwell County," Hudson Town Manager Rebecca Bentley said. "Large and small, they are equally important to our community. They are the lifeblood of Caldwell County."
Receiving the Herman Anderson Economic Development Award was Fairfield Chair Vice President Alvin Daughtridge. The award was presented by Blue Ridge Electric Director of Sustainable Development Brian Crutchfield, who said Daughtridge "does a lot of work behind the scenes to make things happen that truly benefit our community."
Noted for his devotion to public service, particularly with health-related organizations, the arthritis clinic at Caldwell Memorial Hospital is named in Daughtridge's honor.
"He believes that when people park their egos at the door and engage in face-to-face dialogue, problems frequently become opportunities and win-win solutions can emerge," Crutchfield said.
In his remarks, Daughtridge said he is humbled to be considered in the same company as Anderson, who attended the ceremony.
"For years, I have recognized Herman Anderson as a visionary," Daughtridge said. "Herman, I am just honored to be mentioned in the same breath as you."
Huffman Hosiery Mills President Al Huffman was recognized as the Industrialist of the Year. The Granite Falls-based company has been a survivor in the textile industry, despite international competition that has cost the county and North Carolina thousands of manufacturing jobs.
"The company now produces higher-quality, lower-volume products, while importing higher-volume, lower-price products, allowing it to manufacture in this country while others have closed operations," presenter and EDC Board member Allen Stewart said.
Huffman mentioned the challenges domestic textile companies face but said the credit goes beyond just one person.
"I feel awkward in accepting this," he said. "Our company is truly a family business, and this is a group effort. Success in the textile business has not been easy. You've read the difficulties. We've won a few battles, but I will tell you the war is not over."
The Industry of the Year Award was presented by Bemis Director of Operations and EDC Board member Jim Chapman to Thomasville Furniture, which announced earlier this year that it is adding 100 manufacturing jobs at its case goods facility in Lenoir.
"It's just a pleasure that we have been able to help people to bring jobs back to Lenoir," said Thomasville Human Resources Manager Ann Vaughan in accepting the award on behalf of the company and parent organization Furniture Brands International.
Google Operations Manager and EDC Board member Tom Jacobik presented the Innovation Award to Lenoir equipment manufacturer City Machine Company.
"For a family-owned company founded in 1950 to stay in business, they must be willing to change," Jacobik said. "In many cases, they are forced to re-invent themselves. Such is the case with City Machine. They have evolved over the years to keep pace with the changing face of manufacturing handling, packaging and telecommunications."
In accepting the award on behalf of the company, Mitchell Setzer said, "This is truly an honor. We stand behind this community."