What is this award?
The Manufacturer of the Year awards honor manufacturers that illustrate excellence and have demonstrated how they are embracing today’s challenges and overcoming hurdles to remain competitive and to be good corporate citizens.

Who can enter?
The awards are open to any end user manufacturing company that is contributing significantly to the overall well being of the economy and to the manufacturing industry as a whole.

What is the deadline?
The deadline for entries is Dec. 7, 2007. Entries will not be accepted after this deadline.

How do we enter?
The deadline for 2008 has passed. Please click here to view other SPC awards that are still open for submissions.

What is the best way to submit?
We recommend that entries be completed as follows:

• Steps 1 – 10 should be completed in a Word document, to be emailed along with the required materials in Step 3.

• Step 12 is the required subscription. Please provide the requested information in the above-mentioned Word document, if necessary.

• Steps 13 – 16 (the final ballot page) should be completed on the ballot page itself, including all the necessary signatures. This page can be scanned and emailed along with the additional materials or faxed to 630.933.0845. This is the ONLY page that should be faxed.

• Entries can also be mailed to the magazine directly. Applications must be received on or before the submission deadline to be accepted.

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Where should entries be sent?
Specialty Publishing Co.
c/o START-IT magazine – Manufacturer of the Year Awards
135 E. St. Charles Rd. Suite D
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Email: mmayer@start-itmag.com
Fax: 630.933.0845

Can we enter on behalf of another company?
Yes. The manufacturer listed on the ballot will be considered the entrant, or the company that is eligible to win. In the past, public relations firms and/or technology enablers have aided in the submission for the manufacturer. This is acceptable, however, the manufacturer must approve the final entry as well as provide the required signatures.

Can we submit more than one entry?
No. Manufacturers are not able to submit more than one entry.

What is the entry fee?
The entry fee is $125 USD, which includes a subscription to the magazine. Entry fees are nonrefundable. The Awards program does not provide any discounts for entry fees. The application form includes a step where payment for the entry fee can be fulfilled. This step must be completed upon submission, or the application will not be accepted.

What are the judging criteria?
START-IT is looking for manufacturers who hold a proven track record in job growth, improved corporate revenues, and capitol investments. They also illustrate a strong commitment to their workforce and community, including volunteer programs, environmental programs, and educational partnerships, etc. This award honors only one manufacturer each in the small, medium, and large market segments.

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Who judges the entries?
An independent panel of industry analysts as well as START-IT editors and members of the editorial advisory board judge the Manufacturer of the Year Awards.

What do the judges do when they judge our entry?
With the Manufacturer of the Year Awards, judges read the entered documents and reviews them, making recommendations on who should be chosen as a winner.

Can we talk to the judges?
No. We do not allow the entrants to have contact with the judges in regard to how they will be viewing the entry.

Can we see who our judges are?
No. We do not allow entrants to screen their judges or know who they are.

Does the magazine publish our entry material?
START-IT magazine publishes print and Web articles highlighting the winners. This material is based on the award submission. We recommend you do not submit material that is not for publication.

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How are the winners determined?
The judges make recommendations and selections for both winners and honorable mentions in each market segment.

When do we hear if we won?
Entrants will be notified that they have been named a finalist, if chosen so. Finalists will either be made a winner or chosen as an honorable mention. Winning companies must be in attendance to receive their award.

What happens if a company is not in attendance?
If the manufacturer is not in attendance the award will be rescinded.

When is the awards ceremony?
The Manufacturer of the Year Awards are presented during the T&B dinner and awards ceremony. The date and location of the 2008 ceremony will be announced in the near future. Please visit www.specialtypub.com/startit/moy/ for more information.

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What do the winners win?
Each winning manufacturer receives a freestanding trophy. Companies winning an honorable mention will receive a plaque. Both winning companies and those receiving an honorable mention will receive coverage by the magazine.

Can we order additional awards if we win?
Yes. Additional trophies and plaques will be available at the cost of the ordering company. Order forms will be provided at the ceremony as well as from START-IT magazine following the event.

How will we be notified we are a winner?
The Awards Coordinator contacts the persons named in the application by either phone or email. It is extremely important that each nominee provides email addresses that will be operable throughout 2008 and that will accept email from START-IT magazine.

How does the magazine publicize the winners?
START-IT magazine will issue a press release, publish a print article announcing the winners, and post the company names on its Website.

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Can the winners send out a press release?
Yes. All winners are encouraged to send out a press release as the winners are announced. The magazine is also delighted to grant quotes for each winner for companies to publicize in their press releases. Please make sure that START-IT magazine is given the opportunity to approve press releases containing information and/or quotes pertaining to and coming from START-IT magazine and its awards program.

Who has won in the past?
Past winners can be viewed here:
2007 |2006 | 2005

Can we see past winning entries?
You are not able to view the actual entries submitted; however, please view START-IT’s articles featuring past winners.

What do we do if we have further questions?
All questions should be directed to Michelle Mayer at 630.933.0844 ext. 246, or via email at mmayer@start-itmag.com.

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