- November 26, 2024
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VMA's slate of officers and directors for 2024 were installed at the organization's 43rd annual awards banquet on Dec. 10, as well as presentations to several manufacturing industry award winners. Each year, the Volusia Manufacturers Association recognizes its members for their achievements in the manufacturing industry. The night also marked the retirement of Jayne Fifer, who has been involved in the organization for 25 years, serving as president/CEO until last year when her daughter, Jessica Lovatt assumed the role. The event was held at Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort in Daytona Beach.
The 2024 officers and directors are as follows:
Officers
Directors
Following the installation of the officers and directors, the following manufacturing industry awards were presented. The award criteria has been developed by its members to identify leaders in the association to act as role models and showcase best practices that will inspire local manufacturers.
Business and industrial leaders in the area nominate the companies and individuals for the awards. The nominee’s credentials are reviewed by a manufacturing-related committee including Kathy Crews, ERAU, Cory McAndrew, By Light Professional IT Services; Mark Willman, Cadence Bank; Theresa Peterson, Hylant; Amy Monahan, Volusia County Schools.
This year’s award winners are:
Friend of Industry Award
Presented to the Service Partner member who has done the most to further the interests of manufacturing and the VMA.
Karl Schiller Member of the Year Award
Presented to the VMA Manufacturer member who has made the most significant contribution to the success of VMA
Best Practice Award
Recognizes the manufacturer with exceptional practices.
Social Responsibility Award
Presented to the VMA company engaged in balancing profit-making activities with activities that benefit the society in which they operate.
Emerging Leader Award
New in 2023, and presented to the under 35 person who has shown extraordinary leadership qualities.
We Make It Here! Education Champion Award
Recognizes the individual who contributed most to building awareness of the career opportunities in manufacturing with the 16-26-year-old age group.
Jayne Fifer Women In Manufacturing Award
Presented to individual women in manufacturing who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of manufacturing from the factory floor to the C-suite.
Innovation Award
This award will recognize the Volusia and Flagler counties and Central Florida organizations and people who bring new ideas to life. Whether that idea is big or small, these ideas change the way we experience the world.
Exporter of the Year Award
This award is presented to a Volusia County firm that has demonstrated outstanding export performance.
Hall of Fame “Manny” Award
Presented to an individual for life-long achievement in manufacturing in Volusia County. The person is inducted into the Manufacturers Hall of Fame
Lou Fifer Manufacturer of the Year >50 Employees
This award recognizes the area’s top manufacturing companies. It was named after the founding executive director in 2009. Lou Fifer lived his life as a champion of Americanism, capitalism and free enterprise. He was a vigorous, positive thinker. He believed in the power of manufacturing. The winners of this award embody his beliefs.
