Southwest Virginia Manufacturing Awards Banquet

The Southwest Virginia Manufacturing Awards Banquet brings together manufacturers, business leaders, and community partners from across the region to celebrate excellence in manufacturing. Centered around awards presentations, this annual event recognizes outstanding achievements, shares inspiring stories of innovation and impact, and highlights the critical role manufacturing plays in strengthening our regional economy. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with peers and industry leaders while helping to shape the future perception of manufacturing in Southwest Virginia.

Why Attend?

Join us for an evening that:

• Celebrates the people and companies driving manufacturing forward in Southwest Virginia.
• Inspires with success stories of innovation, safety, and community impact.
• Connects manufacturers, leaders, and partners across the region.
• Changes perceptions by showcasing the modern, thriving face of manufacturing.

Panel Discussion: Driving Innovation, Building Talent: A Conversation on Southwest Virginia Manufacturing

This year's event will showcase a panel discussion with leaders in Southwest Virginia manufacturing. This engaging discussion will feature leaders from across the region’s manufacturing sector sharing their perspectives on what manufacturing in Southwest Virginia looks like today—and where it’s headed tomorrow. Panelists will highlight how their companies are embracing new technologies, driving innovation, and leveraging community resources to strengthen their businesses. They will also explore strategies for encouraging more individuals to pursue careers in manufacturing and share their outlook on the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry’s future. Attendees can expect candid insights, practical takeaways, and a clearer understanding of the vital role manufacturing plays in building a stronger regional economy.

Awards will be given in the following categories: Excellence in Safety, Manufacturing Innovations, Environmental Excellence, Community Impact, Community Choice, Manufacturer of the Year, and Manufacturing Employee of the Year.

Interested in nominating your company for an award? All nomination forms can be found here: https://swvam.org/2025-manufacturing-awards-nomination-forms/.

Networking Time: will be provided from 5:00pm to 5:45pm and the dinner will officially begin at 5:45pm.

Ticket purchases will include appetizers, drinks, and dinner.

Tables: If you want to purchase a table's worth of tickets, please note that a table will seat 6 individuals. Tables can be adjusted to seat 8, if needed.

Dress code: There is no formal dress code for this event. While many guests choose to wear semi-formal or dressier business attire, many wear more casual work attire. All dress styles are welcome!

Event Sponsors:

OpX Solutions, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, Brown Edwards CPAs, Merrick & Company

Sponsorship: Interested in sponsoring this event? Email Lennie Gail Mitcham at [email protected] for more information.

Event Collaboration: nexEO Complimentary Ticket

Special Offer: As an SVAM Manufacturers' Awards Banquet attendee, you will receive one complimentary ticket to nexEO. Taking place in Abingdon earlier in the day before the Awards, nexEO is a new event hosted by , bringing together leaders in business, education, and community to help shape the future of our region. Your Awards registration confirmation email will include a special code to claim your ticket to nexEO.

Host or Publisher The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, Inc.