REDC Holds an Appreciation Celebration for Employees of Rockwall Industries
Three companies honored for great efforts to the local business community.
ROCKWALL COUNTY, TX, MAY 13, 2019 — The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation (REDC) held their Rockwall Employee Appreciation Event at the Southern Junction where nearly 300 attendees, representing 14 primary employers took part in the event. As part of the celebration, the REDC recognized three companies who have made notable contributions in categories such as the Good Neighbor Award, Workforce Development Award, and Economic Impact Award. The winners of the three awards, respectively, were Interstate Wire, Special Products & Manufacturing, and Lollicup USA.
“We are happy to recognize these companies and share with others some of the tremendous value they bring to Rockwall” said Phil Wagner, President of the REDC. “However we understand the importance of all our primary employers and the Employee Appreciation Event was our opportunity to say thank you.”
In order for an organization to receive an award, they must meet these eligibility requirements:
- Good Neighbor Award: A company that makes a substantial charitable contribution to the Rockwall community. This award could be presented to a company that has made considerable company or employee-led volunteer or philanthropic efforts.
- Workforce Development Award: A company that introduces an innovative workforce program. Candidates for this award have established a unique employee training program or have created innovative methods for increasing productivity or recognizing high quality work.
- Economic Development Impact Award: A company that has made a major economic impact within the last year. This award could be presented to a company that has created a substantial number of new high quality jobs, or have made a significant taxable investment within the community.
Interstate Wire was recognized with the Good Neighbor Award for their support of Meals On Wheels, through corporate and individual donations. Additionally, Interstate Wire has been a sponsor of the Tommy Hooper Texas Tech Memorial Golf Tournament for 14 years, which provides scholarships for Rockwall ISD students planning to attend Texas Tech University.
Special Products & Manufacturing (SPM), was awarded the Workforce Development Award for their extensive training programs and onboarding process. Over the past year, SPM provided 2,515 training hours for their associates (roughly 11 hours per associate) in areas of known risks affecting their industry and organization. These improvements resulted in new associates quickly being able to learn blueprint reading, usage of quality tools, understanding of manufacturing standards, and the ability to independently run production operations. Additionally, the hiring of reliable new associates has allowed SPM to both promote from within, and increase their quality and production efficiencies in various departments. SPM’s innovative approach to training has led to the development of their own custom “Escape Room” that produces a fun, but challenging training opportunity for employees to work together to apply company concepts for team goals.
Lollicup USA received the Economic Impact Award for the economic impact of their new manufacturing facility opened in Phase II of the Rockwall Technology Park. The facility, which received a certificate of occupancy in March, 2019 is 650,000 sq. ft., the largest footprint of any primary employer in Rockwall. Additionally, Lollicup USA is investing $50 million into their building and equipment, which will generate one of the largest taxable values in Rockwall. Lollicup USA will also be employing at least 200 workers in Rockwall.
About The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation
The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation works to provide the Rockwall community with quality jobs, economic growth, broad-based prosperity and a sustainable quality of life by attracting new corporate investment and by facilitating the expansion of existing Rockwall businesses.
