EDAWN salutes ‘existing’ companies at event

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada dignitaries, community guests and sponsors on Oct. 22 celebrated the contributions and successes of existing primary companies in the Greater Reno-Sparks area at the 4th Annual Existing Industry Awards Event held at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino.

More than 50 companies from Washoe County, the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center and Fernley, were recognized for their valuable contributions.

The nominations were open to all primary companies doing business in the areas served by EDAWN. The honorees:

President’s Award- Reno Sparks Cab Co., and whittlesea Checker Taxi/Bell Limo.

Biggest Little WOW Award- Filament

Corporate Citizen Award- Burkhart Dental

Employees First Award- Advanced Precision Manufacturing, Inc.

Founders Award- Sierra Nevada Corporation

Leader in Sustainability Award- Fortifiber

Think Local Award- Sports Attack

Community Partner Award- Truckee Meadows Water Authority

Company of the Year Award, Small- Bristlecone Holdings

Company of the Year Award, Large- Server Technology

Manufacturing Excellence Award, Small- Itronics, Inc.

Manufacturing Excellence Award, Large- Lincoln Electric Cutting Systems

“Retention and support of our existing industry is the most important thing we can do for economic development in the region,” said Mike Kazmierski, CEO of EDAWN. “While the media tends to report and highlight the new companies entering our market, this event is a small token of our appreciation as a community for these existing companies, as we take time to celebrate and recognize their many contributions and accomplishments,” he said.

EDAWN also announced an expansion for Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels, which is building a bio-refinery in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center. Jeanne Benedetti, senior director of project development for Fulcrum, shared the news with guests at the event about the bio-refinery which will convert municipal solid waste into low-cost, clean, transportation fuel products.

Fulcrum plans to hire over 30 employees and will generate additional construction jobs. More than $297 million will be invested in this project.