The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission today honored existing industries MillerCoors, SASCO Chemical Group, Thrush Aircraft and Central Monitoring for their global exports, innovative business practices, economic impact and corporate giving, respectively, at its annual ADEDC Industry Awards.

"From creating jobs and making long-term investments to enhancing quality of life through volunteer service, our industries are the foundation of our local economy and our community,” said Justin Strickland, president of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, which leads the initiatives that help local businesses grow and expand. “We are proud to work with and on behalf of Albany-Dougherty County’s existing industries, and to recognize their excellence.”

The ADEDC Industry Awards are the highlight of Albany-Dougherty Industry Celebration Week, during which the ADEDC celebrates and promotes the impact of the community’s existing industries, which range from sectors including manufacturing, distribution, call centers and health care. 

Global Commerce Award: MillerCoors

MillerCoors’ Albany brewery is responsible for 50 percent of global exports within MillerCoors’ North American network. The Albany brewery has exported nearly 4 million barrels of beer during the last three years. Annually, the Albany MillerCoors brewery produces nearly 9 million barrels of beer, or 32 billion 12-ounce servings, making it one of the highest-producing of the company’s breweries.

Economic Impact Award: Thrush Aircraft 

Albany-based Thrush Aircraft manufactures air tractors used in the agriculture industry. It recently designed and developed a new plane, which will be mostly used for surveillance and fire suppression. This new product will result in Thrush’s latest expansion in Albany, which will create 100 new jobs and have a $10 million economic impact. The new jobs will bring total employment at Thrush to nearly 300. 

Excellence in Innovation Award: SASCO Chemical Group 

SASCO Chemical Group is a third-generation owned chemical manufacturing company whose success and growth is driven by its innovate corporate culture. SASCO has developed revolutionary products for the rubber, wood, mulch and biomedical industries. Most recently, SASCO developed a breakthrough product for the engineered wood industry that has alleviated the industry’s historical problems with corrosion, adhesion release and cleanliness.

Good Life City Award for Corporate Community Citizenship: Central Monitoring 

Central Monitoring is a locally-owned and operated alarm system monitoring and installation provider that has been providing peace of mind to its customers for more than 30 years. Committed to making the community a better place, Central Monitoring has contributed hours of volunteer services to nonprofit organizations; made in-kind donations to schools, churches and charities; and, through its One Warm Coat project, has collected more than 13,000 coats for needy adults and children in the Albany area. 

Videos of the award winners can be viewed at www.youtube.com/choosealbany. 

For more information about Albany’s industries, programs and incentives, and its assets as a business location, visit www.choosealbany.com.