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Manufacturers Honored at 2011 Salute to Manufacturing

Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt addresses full house;
Cox Industries, Domtar Paper and Robert Bosch honored with 2011 Top Awards

SOUTH CAROLINA, September 22, 2011 – Three of South Carolina's leading manufacturers were honored by South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt and a full house of industry leaders as 2011 recipients of the prestigious Silver Crescent Award for Manufacturing Excellence today at the sixteenth annual Salute to Manufacturing at the TD Convention Center in Greenville.

Honored with 2011 Silver Crescent Awards for Manufacturing Excellence were Small Manufacturer Cox Industries of Orangeburg, Midsized Manufacturer Domtar Paper Company-Marlboro Mill of Bennettsville, and Large Manufacturer Robert Bosch LLC of Charleston.

The awards luncheon was attended by more than 350 business executives, community and political leaders, and manufacturing industry representatives from across South Carolina. Honorees were chosen from a statewide slate of finalist companies nominated for product and process quality improvements; quality of life for employees; environmental stewardship; community and professional involvement; commitment to economic development; and community partnerships.

South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Robert M. “Bobby” Hitt III, the former manager of corporate affairs at BMW Manufacturing Company in Spartanburg, keynoted the affair, saluting the twenty one finalist companies from across South Carolina for their achievements and contributions to South Carolina’s manufacturing industry and quality of life. He also cited South Carolina's strong commitment to nurturing and attracting innovative manufacturers of all types and sizes to the Palmetto State.

The Silver Crescent Award, now in its tenth year, was established by the Silver Crescent Foundation to honor outstanding small, midsized and large manufacturers from across South Carolina, and to promote awareness of the importance of manufacturing to our standard of living and quality of life in the Palmetto State. The Silver Crescent Foundation's mission is to increase awareness of the importance of manufacturing among the general public by promoting manufacturing vitality and career opportunities in South Carolina.

The Small Manufacturer winner, representing companies with fewer than 200 employees, was Cox Enterprises of Orangeburg. Located in Orangeburg since 1954, Cox Enterprises is family-owned and manufactures treated outdoor products, employing more than 150 people.

In the Midsized Manufacturer category (200 – 499 employees), Domtar-Marlboro Mill of Bennettsville was named the 2011 winner. The company employs 325 people and produces uncoated, Xerographic, offset, envelope and form bond papers.

Robert Bosch, LLC of Charleston was honored in the Large Manufacturer category (500+ employees). The global company began production of automotive parts in Charleston in 1974 and currently employs over 1,700 associates.

The 2011 Silver Crescent Awards are co-sponsored by Marketplace Staffing, one of South Carolina’s leading staffing and productivity solution providers; by CPM Federal Credit Union, which has proudly served South Carolina manufacturers since 1955; by Dream It, Do It of South Carolina, and by SC Biz News, LLC.

“We are excited to honor the accomplishments of all of the finalist companies, and in particular to salute our three 2011 Silver Crescent Award winners,” said Tony Smith, President of The Silver Crescent Foundation. “Secretary Hitt's comments about the importance of manufacturing to South Carolina's long-term prosperity are right on target and much appreciated, and we are gratified to draw such an outstanding collection of leaders from industry, government and the private sector to the 2011 event.”

For additional information, please visit www.silvercrescentsc.org/salute.

To learn more about the Silver Crescent Awards and the Salute to Manufacturing Luncheon, visit www.SilverCrescentSC.org or contact Sharon Halsey at (803) 657-6183.

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About Silver Crescent Foundation
The Silver Crescent Foundation is committed to inspiring, supporting and preparing students for success in the workplace while helping to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians. The Foundation has developed initiatives that form a conduit between the successful businesses of today and the leaders of tomorrow. These initiatives not only support workforce development, but also recognize companies that demonstrate the ability to positively impact employees, local communities and the state while achieving excellence within their industry. Learn more at www.silvercrescentsc.org.