Savannah elementary student wins first in state design contest

ATLANTA – Mina Smith, a fourth grader from Savannah, Ga., was honored in Atlanta today for her artwork supporting Georgia’s manufacturing industry.

Smith took first place in her division (grades K-5) of the 2014 Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) student design contest. She received a $500 scholarship check at the MAW Governor’s Awards Luncheon held at the Georgia International Convention Center. Last year she won second place in her division.

“These winners are the best and the brightest, and our future depends on them and their understanding of the creative process,” said Larry Callahan, CEO of Pattillo Industrial Real Estate, as the awards were being presented.

Students from around the state submitted design entries featuring Georgia manufacturers and their products. Winners were named for grades 9-12, 6-8, and K-5.

During the ceremonies, Gov. Deal named Georgia’s 2014 Manufacturers of the Year: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in Savannah and Brunswick in the large manufacturer category (more than 500 employees); Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas in Monroe in the medium manufacturer category (150-500 employees); and Tucker’s ddFoodSolutions in the small manufacturer category (fewer than 150 employees).

Co-hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the awards luncheon is the highlight of MAW, celebrated this year April 14-18. This is the 20th year celebrating Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Georgia.

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#1438 | April 17, 2014
 Media  Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu