Rick Walker, the founder, president and CEO of the Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association, has been presented the Georgia Automotive Leader of the Year award by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
This award is given to a leader in the automotive industry who has devoted their time and effort to leadership and has demonstrated pride in the industry in Georgia.
“We are thrilled to have been recognized with this award,” said Walker. “It is a tribute to all of the hard work of GAMA’s incredible advisory board and GAMA members over the last 10 years. Our hugely successful and record-breaking Southern Automotive Conference in late 2018, which attracted 1,200 attendees, was highly acclaimed by many worldwide. This award now definitely solidifies our role as a leading automotive association for the Southeast and the world.”
The automotive industry contributes $3 billion to Georgia’s economy. There are more than 51,000 workers employed by Georgia’s automotive-related facilities.
The Georgia Automotive Awards were developed to elevate the industry’s profile, recognize individual companies for their contributions and celebrate the industry’s collective accomplishments.
“Congratulations to the winners of the 2019 Georgia Automotive Awards,” said Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “The automotive industry in Georgia continues to drive innovation and growth in every corner of our state, with access to a top-ranked workforce and world-class business climate.”
In addition to the Automotive Leader of the Year award, the Georgia Department of Economic Development presented the fourth annual awards to:
Novelis Inc., of Atlanta, Georgia, took home the Automotive Innovation Award. Novelis is a leading provider of flat-rolled aluminum products, including aluminum sheet to the automotive industry.
Inalfa Roof Systems, of Acworth, Georgia, won the Automotive Supplier of the Year award. Inalfa produces innovative and high-quality user-centered roof systems for the automotive and truck industries.
Decostar Industries Inc., a division of Magna Exteriors in Carrollton, Georgia, was presented the Community Impact Award. Decostar produces exterior parts, including liftgates for Nissan.
