LED Seeks State’s Top Manufacturers

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana Economic Development is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Lantern Awards. The awards are presented annually to outstanding manufacturers from each of Louisiana’s eight regional planning and development districts. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, April 22. 

Nomination packets may be obtained at the Louisiana Association of Planning and Development Districts website, www.lapdd.org. Packets nominating a manufacturer should be returned to the corresponding planning district office. Anyone may nominate a manufacturer for the award.

LED Secretary Don Pierson said, “Louisiana’s manufacturers represent the talent, creativity and innovative spirit that define our people and our state. Our annual Lantern Awards recognize the top manufacturers in our state, and honor companies that are creating new opportunities for Louisiana’s residents while contributing significantly to our economy and the communities in which they operate. We encourage everyone to nominate a deserving Louisiana-based manufacturer, large or small, for the Lantern Awards so that these important employers can receive their due recognition.”

Awards will be presented June 7 at a reception held at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. Award winners are chosen for their excellence in manufacturing and their community involvement during the three years prior to the nomination. Louisiana has honored more than 250 manufacturers since 1979 through the Lantern Awards. Last year’s winners included a range of companies that illustrate the diversity of Louisiana manufacturers, including Pod Pack International in Baton Rouge, Lake Charles Rubber and Gasket Co. in Lake Charles, Gardner Denver Thomas in Monroe, and D&D Creations in Kenner.

Award-winners receive lanterns that are handcrafted and donated by Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights of New Orleans. Since 1945, Bevolo has manufactured traditional and antique lighting. The Lantern Awards are a partnership between LED, the Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association and the Louisiana Quality Foundation. For more information about the 2016 Lantern Awards, contact Skip Smart at 225.342.4321 or smart@la.gov.