Recognize Industry Excellence in 2020
MFG Excellence Award Nominations Open
July 2020 MiMfg Magazine 11
In the face of unforeseen and unimaginable
obstacles, manufacturing has managed to shine in
2020. Give our industry the recognition it deserves by
nominating an outstanding company or individual
for the 2020 MFG Excellence Awards. The Awards
will be presented this fall.
Award Nomination Process
Teams of independent judges determine Award
recipients based on the content and quality of the
completed nomination forms. Anyone, except MMA
staff, may nominate an individual or company within
Michigan’s manufacturing industry. Self-nominations
are encouraged. The submission of additional information
about the nominee and the company, such as letters
of recommendation/commendation, testimonials,
press articles and company brochures, is highly
encouraged. You may submit multiple nominations
for each category. Nominate online at mimfg.org
from 6/15/20 to 8/21/20.
Award Categories
• John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year
Honors the important, positive and tangible
contributions individual manufacturers make to
their employees, customers and communities.
Large tier is open to an individual or company.
Small-tier is awarded to an individual.
• MFG Woman of the Year
Honors the roles women play in manufacturing,
her significant achievements in the industry
and positive impact within her company and
community. Awarded to an individual woman
at any level of manufacturing.
• MFG Emerging Leader
Awarded to an individual with less than 10 years
in the industry for exceptional contributions
to the industry and the potential for future
accomplishments within Michigan manufacturing.
• MFG Talent Champion
Recognizes an individual who works to bring
focus to the critical need of attracting Michigan’s
next generation workforce to manufacturing’s
variety of career options.
• MFG Innovation Excellence
Showcases a company that not only has brought an
innovative concept to market but has developed
and maintained a culture focused on engaging
the workforce to bring new ideas to life.
Donna Russell-Kuhr,
2019 Woman of the Year
and President & CEO of
PTM Corporation
nominate at mimfg.org
• MFG Community Impact
Recognizes a manufacturing company that has
shown exemplary leadership in serving its
community or state, and is an example of the
involved and giving nature of manufacturers.
• MFG Lifetime Achievement
Honors an individual who has excelled in the
industry and inspires their peers, emerging
leaders, lawmakers and educators to strive to
make significant contributions to their company,
industry and community.
“Coolest Thing Made in Michigan”
From household staples to life-improving machinery,
Michigan manufacturers have produced some amazing
things — but only one can win the annual “Coolest
Thing Made in Michigan” People’s Choice Award.
Nominate today at coolestthing.mimfg.org!
How Does It Work?
Once nominations have been collected, online
voting will commence. The first round people’s choice
vote will determine the Top 10 coolest Michiganmade
products. During the second round, voting
will determine which of these 10 finalists will be
deemed the “Coolest Thing” in 2020.
The winning product (and its manufacturer) will
be announced this fall. Submit your nomination for
“Coolest” product for a chance to win this coveted
Award at coolestthing.mimfg.org.
Meet Past Winners
Need inspiration for your nomination? Meet
previous MFG Excellence Awards winners by
checking out spotlights and videos at mimfg.org.
Past Award winners are industry leaders, policymakers,
educators and manufacturing supporters who lead
and contribute to the industry. 6