Our work force, natural resource (water), and the support from the local leaders help us to be successful in Albany, Georgia. (Fidel Torres, plant manager at Procter & Gamble in Albany, Georgia)

The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission recognized existing industries Procter & Gamble, MillerCoors and Mars Chocolate North America for their economic impact, innovative green business practices and corporate giving.

“The Albany-Dougherty Industry Awards celebrate the successes and contributions of Albany-Dougherty County’s existing industries, which provide Albany with its diverse economy and its rich industrial heritage,” said Ted Clem, CEcD, president of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission. “Existing industries account for about 80 percent of new jobs. It’s important that we recognize and that we thank our existing industries for the commitment they have made to our community.”

Procter & Gamble received the economic impact award. The company, which has been making Charmin and Bounty products in Albany since 1972, has a $300 million net impact on the Albany economy and a $1 billion impact on the state economy. For every Procter & Gamble job, nearly four non P&G jobs are created. Locally, the plant employs more than 800.

MillerCoors, which opened its Albany brewery in 1979, was recognized for its innovation in green business practices. The brewery is at the front of its industry with green innovations such as ionized air rinsing, hydroxyl sanitation and reflective roofing. The plant, which is one of Georgia’s heaviest water users, is replacing older water treatment technology with UV sterilization, which will save water and energy. It has replaced keg room refrigeration units with lower ozone-depleting fluorescent fixtures, and replaced older high-energy, high-mercury lamps with new high-bay fluorescent fixtures. To top it off, the plant recycles or reuses 99.9 percent of its waste products.

The Good Life City Award for corporate community citizenship was given to Mars Chocolate North America, which at its Albany facility produces snack products Combos, Kudos, Snickers Marathon bars, and roasts the peanuts for Snickers and peanut M&Ms. Mars was a major partner in creating the Albany Snickers Marathon, the No. 2 qualifier in the United States for the Boston Marathon. Mars associates volunteer throughout the year at dozens of community events and the plant is a corporate sponsor of many events. The Albany Mars leadership is generous with product donations throughout the year as well. The plant has been in Albany nearly 60 years.

The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, whose primary mission is to facilitate job growth and business investment in Albany-Dougherty County, presents the annual industry awards as a way to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of its existing industries, and as a way to say thank you for their commitment to being successful in the community.