FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brandon Charochak
Phone: 717.315.9850
Email: Brandon.Charochak@myscmc.org
COLUMBIA, S.C. –South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) and the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) today recognized outstanding companies and professionals during the 2026 South Carolina Workforce and Manufacturing Summit at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
The annual awards celebrated exceptional achievements in leadership, innovation, operational excellence, workforce development, and community impact across South Carolina’s business community.
“Each of these award recipients represent the very best of South Carolina,” said SCMC President and CEO Sara Hazzard. “Our state is home to so many talented professionals and great corporate citizens, and these awards give us an opportunity to recognize their leadership, service, and accomplishments. We are proud to celebrate this year’s honorees and the impact they are making across the state.”
“The companies and professionals recognized this year truly set the standard for excellence in manufacturing,” said SCMEP President and CEO Andy Carr. “Through operational improvements, workforce investments, the adoption of innovative technologies, and strong community engagement they are building more resilient businesses. Ultimately, their achievements elevate South Carolina’s entire manufacturing sector.”
The 2026 award recipients and honorees are:
Finance Professional of the Year Award
Boyd Jones, Pinnacle + Synovus
Human Resources Professional of the Year Award
Rhonda Anderson, Wilbert Plastic Services
Legal & Policy Professional of the Year Award
Michael Shetterly, Ogletree Deakins
Operations Professional of the Year Award
Sparky Avant, Embroidery Solutions
Outreach Award
Winner: Pleasurecraft Engine Group
Finalists: Westinghouse Electric Company, Wilbert Plastic Services
Transformation and Operational Excellence Award
Winner: Otis Elevator Company
Finalists: BorgWarner, Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing Company, Tuffaloy Products
Emerging Manufacturer of the Year Award
Winner: TS Conductor
Finalists: Gainplus, LLC, SHL Medical US Manufacturing
Innovator of the Year Award
Winner: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
Finalists: Cooley Group, Hogge Precision Parts Co, Inc.
Chuck Spangler Outstanding Manufacturing Lifetime Service Award
Edward Kabine, Briteline Extrusions
Smart Move SC New Plant Award
Isuzu North America Corporation
Cardiff Products Corporation
Mega Metal Inc., Ridgeway
Smart Move SC Expansion Award
Eaton, Union County
ElringKlinger Group
Engineered Foam Packaging
