The Georgia Department of Economic Development is now accepting nominations for the 2021 GEAR Awards. Nominations close Sept. 17, 2021, at 5 p.m.
The awards recognize automotive and mobility industries that are innovating and creating emerging technologies. Applications can be obtained at Georgia.org/GaGEAR.
“This past year has been particularly exciting as Georgia has continued to build on our existing strengths to lead the charge in developing an electric mobility ecosystem that will benefit the U.S. and beyond,” said Pat Wilson, Georgia Department of Economic Development commissioner.
The GEAR Awards, which were started in 2016, are granted in five categories: Large Supplier of the Year (with 200 or more employees), Small Supplier of the Year (with 199 or less employees), Transportation Equipment Manufacturer of the Year, Automotive Innovation Award and Citizenship Award. In addition to the awards, winning companies can be featured on the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s website.
The Supplier of the Year categories nominees can be any automotive OEM supplier at any tier level that demonstrates a strong growth by sales, footprint, workforce or variety of products manufactured in the state of Georgia.
The Transportation Equipment Manufacturer of the Year nominees must produce equipment for transporting people and goods and have demonstrated strong growth by sales, footprint or workforce or by variety of products manufactured in Georgia.
The Automotive Innovation Award goes to a company demonstrating innovation in a variety of ways including emerging technologies for the automotive industry, a new product design or a new or updated manufacturing process. The innovation must be made at the organization’s Georgia location.
The Citizenship Award recognizes a company with a high level of corporate citizenship in and around the local community and/or within the state of Georgia. Nominees are evaluated on company contributions to established civic organizations via leadership roles, support for employee involvement and/or financial support.
Anyone may nominate a company and enterprises may also nominate themselves for an award.
Nominees will be reviewed by a diverse committee of experts who retain a deep understanding of the manufacturing industry. Winners will be announced in the fall.
