CLEVELAND, Tenn. (June 10, 2009)—The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce recognized the contributions of local existing industry today with a special luncheon and an Industrial Showcase at the Museum Center at 5ive Points.

The annual recognition celebrates the community’s position as the fifth largest manufacturing region in the state along with the contributions local businesses and industries make to the economic well-being of Cleveland and Bradley County.

“Although we constantly recruit new businesses to our community,” Lisa Pickel, director of existing industry programs, said, “we also do our best to take care of existing businesses and industries that continue to grow and invest and develop the workforce in Cleveland and Bradley County.”

Prior to the luncheon, several local businesses participated in an Industrial Showcase, displaying the diversity of products and services available in Cleveland and Bradley County.

Showcase participants were Eaton Aeroquip, Healthworks, Johnston Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Polymer Components,  Procter & Gamble—Duracell,  Santek Environmental Inc., Schering Plough, Southeastern Container Inc., United Knitting and Whirlpool Corporation, Cleveland Division.

Keynote speaker R. Carter Smith, executive vice president of the Economic Futures Group for the Spartanburg (S.C.) Area Chamber of Commerce, addressed BMW’s roles as a “significant economic impact engine” and how the area became a player on a global stage with regard to the impact Volkswagen and Wacker Chemical Corporation will have on the future economy of Cleveland and Bradley County.

Following Smith’s presentation, the Chamber of Commerce recognized two local industries for outstanding achievement with 2009 Industry Appreciation Awards and two for exceptional commitment to the local community.

Eaton Electrical, established in Cleveland in 1977, has achieved excellence in its industry while contributing to the local economy. Eaton’s 215 employees, who manufacture safety switches, enclosed circuit breakers and pressure switches, netted $122 million in sales in 2008. Their efforts have earned them corporate recognition as a Premier Plant in 2002, 2005 and now 2008. The local facility received the award, presented every three years, following extensive evaluations by teams of examiners in seven categories: leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, human resources focus, and process management.

“Eaton has been a good corporate citizen for more than 30 years,” Pickel pointed out. “They took that commitment a step further by becoming a BEST partner with Taylor Elementary School in 2008.”

BEST (Business & Education Serving Together) is an ongoing program of the Chamber of Commerce that encourages interaction between the business/industry sector of the community and the local school system. One of Eaton’s core values is to be considerate of their communities, which is reflected in their support of Taylor Elementary.”

While the economic downturn is bringing new challenges for large corporations when addressing corporate responsibility and sustainable processes (CRS), Johnston Coca-Cola Bottling Co. has stepped up its “global responsibility within our CRS initiatives.”

Among their key environmental initiatives for 2009 are a projected removal of 64 tons out of the local solid waste landfill, reduction of solid waste pickup from seven times a week to two times a week early on, and reduction to once a week by September 2009.

Johnston Coca-Cola also plans to recycle 87 tons of aluminum, more than 10 tons of PET plastic, almost 20 tons of cardboard and nine tons of paper. With installation of light fixtures developed by Orion Energy Systems for high-bay warehouse use, the facility also projects a 47-percent cost in warehouse lighting costs in 2009.

“Johnston Coca-Cola’s investment in their global responsibility is an investment in long-term growth,” Pickel said, “and will ensure a positive environmental reputation.”

Hardwick Clothes and SkyRidge Medical Center exhibit exceptional commitment to the community and to the work ethic that manifests in employees throughout Cleveland and Bradley County.

SkyRidge Medical Center was also recognized for its commitment to serving the Cleveland/Bradley County area through its recent $45 million expansion and by providing some 1,200 jobs.

“SkyRidge has written its commitment in stone and bricks and mortar not only by doubling the size of the facility but also by providing services locally that are critical for each of us,” Pickel noted.

She added that the new tower more than doubles the size of the hospital and houses a 41-bed emergency room, an additional eight surgical suites, an 18-bed outpatient surgery center, a 10-bed ICU and 31 private rooms.

“We appreciate the fact that our medical center is committed to providing even better services for our community, and it deserves recognition for that commitment,” Pickel said.

Hardwick Clothes, Cleveland’s oldest manufacturer and America’s oldest, privately held apparel manufacturer, was established in 1880 and has survived while other textile industries have vanished.

“Although it is a family-owned company, the more than 300 employees are considered the real family,” Pickel said in recognizing the company. “They attribute their longevity and success to their employees working together. And they can still claim that their blazers, trousers and even major league umpire pants are made in America.

“We’re proud of Hardwick Clothes and the many people through the years who have contributed to the Hardwick success story.”

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