Kennesaw, April 12, 2018 ― VJI’s Client Development Manager, Courtney Cole was invited to attend the 2018 Georgia Manufacturers of the Year luncheon. The event was held at the Georgia International Convention Center to celebrate Manufacturing Appreciation Week, which is April 9th – April 12th. The Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development are two organizations who paired up to develop the week. The guest speaker at the luncheon was Governor Nathan Deal. “It was an honor to hear Governor Nathan Deal speak about Georgia manufacturing and how much the state of Georgia contributes to the manufacturing industry,” says Cole. This is the 5th year in a row that Georgia has been voted as the best state to do business in. Cole attended the event with other members from Georgia Manufacturing Alliance and Women in Manufacturing. The event concluded with Governor Nathan Deal naming three of Georgia’s leading companies as the 2018 Manufacturers of the Year. Pratt & Whitney located in Columbus, GA won for the category of 500 or more employees, Nibco Inc. in Greensboro, GA won for the category of 150 – 500 employees, and Metcam in Alpharetta, GA won for the category of 150 or less employees. “It was exciting to see these manufacturers being recognized for all of their hard work and the contributions they are making in creating jobs in the state of Georgia. I would also like to congratulate all the nominees that were nominated,” says Cole.