Jessica Cowden
Manufacturer’s Edge
970.270.7176
jcowden@manufacturersedge.com
info@manufacturersedge.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/30/24

Colorado Manufacturing Network Awards Honor Top Manufacturing Innovators, Champions, and Trailblazers Across Colorado

Manufacturer’s Edge and the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA) to co-host an evening of awards and networking on October 24 to honor and celebrate Colorado manufacturing industry leaders

The 2024 Colorado Manufacturing Network Awards brought together over 350 manufacturing leaders, industry advocates, and innovators from across the state in an unforgettable evening of celebration, honoring companies and individuals pushing boundaries in workforce development, sustainable practices, and groundbreaking technological advancement.

Hosted by Manufacturer’s Edge and the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA), the awards highlighted the significant contributions of Colorado’s manufacturing community to the state’s economy and to industry innovation at large.

Glenn Plagens, CEO of Manufacturer’s Edge, shared his excitement, stating, “This year’s award winners are truly an inspiration. Their relentless drive and commitment not only propel Colorado manufacturing forward but also set a benchmark for innovation and resilience across industries.”

In addition to the evening’s honorees, Tim Heaton, President of CAMA, expressed gratitude to the event sponsors for their support, noting, “The energy and enthusiasm we see tonight speak volumes about the strength and promise of our manufacturing sector. Thanks to our sponsors and community, we can celebrate those who are not just building products but shaping the future of manufacturing in Colorado.”

This year’s winners represented a broad spectrum of manufacturing success, from supporting sustainable practices to embracing Industry 4.0 and mentoring the next generation, these companies embody the spirit of Colorado manufacturing and have helped solidify the state as a leader in the industry.

Award Categories and 2024 Winners:

• Manufacturing Workforce Innovator of the Year: Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (Centennial), for its hands-on learning approach that bridges education and industry through certifications and apprenticeships.
• Manufacturing Generational Excellence Award: Rockmount Ranch Wear (Denver), an iconic Denver company known for its snap-front western shirts, embodying a legacy of craftsmanship and community spirit.
• Sustainment Supplier of the Year: Packaging Express (Colorado Springs), recognized for its quality, transparency, and service as one of Colorado’s last independent custom box manufacturers.
• Manufacturing Trailblazer Award: Ska Fabricating (Durango), for its automation and smart production solutions that drive global efficiency in packaging systems.
• Manufacturing Champion Award: Marcia Coulson – Eldon James (Fort Collins), celebrated for decades of contributions to life sciences manufacturing, family-centric business culture, and quality excellence.
• Emerging Manufacturing Award: Meati (Thornton), transforming food production through sustainable mycelium-based protein, leading the way in alternative protein innovation.
• Global Business Excellence Award (presented by the World Trade Center Denver): Trinidad Benham (Denver), for excellence in international logistics and operations, known for high-quality seed-to-shelf bean production.
• Manufacturing Woman of the Year Award (presented by the Colorado Chapter of Women in Manufacturing): Liz Palmer – Whole Foods (Denver) and Shannon Roe – MSU Denver Advanced Manufacturing Sciences Institute (Denver), for their leadership in advancing manufacturing and inspiring the next generation of women in the field.

For more information on the 2024 Colorado Manufacturing Network Awards and the full list of honorees, visit Manufacturer’s Edge.

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ABOUT MANUFACTURER’S EDGE 

As Colorado’s official Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center, we provide onsite support, strategy, planning, training, and technical assistance to manufacturers of all sizes. Colorado’s unique manufacturing landscape has given us experience across industries. Our clients drive technology development, creativity, and new products, and we work closely with them to make sure their work reaches its intended audience. Local insights, diverse experience, and true dedication to providing manufacturers support – use the support we provide to empower your decisions as you continue to grow and improve the manufacturing landscape.

ABOUT CAMA 

The Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA) is Colorado’s only statewide manufacturing trade association exclusively dedicated to advancing manufacturing in Colorado. We connect members via experiential networking events and member-focused seminars. We leverage combined purchasing power and offer exclusive member discounts, guaranteeing immediate membership ROI.

ABOUT TITLE SPONSOR SUSTAINMENT: 

Sustainment exemplifies how new technology is reshaping manufacturing supply chains in the United States. Our company was founded by U.S. military veterans desiring to optimize the American manufacturing base into a secure, hyperconnected, and resilient ecosystem of local and regional suppliers who can more easily connect and interact with the government and industry customers that rely on them. Sustainment’s software platform uniquely uses AI and data science to help manufacturers find and work with the right suppliers to achieve their organizational goals.

ABOUT PRESENTING SPONSOR MOSS ADAMS:

Moss Adams is a fully integrated professional services firm dedicated to assisting clients with growing, managing, and protecting prosperity. With more than 4,750 professionals across more than 30 locations in the West and beyond, we work with many of the world’s most innovative companies and leaders. Our strength in the middle market enables us to advise clients at all intervals of development—from start-up, to rapid growth and expansion, to transition.

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