Tallahassee, Fla. (April 17, 2025) – Today, the Sterling Council announces that five manufacturers have earned the 2025 Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence (SMBE) Award. The SMBE Awards and recognition are given annually to regional manufacturers who achieve high levels of performance in several categories, including leadership, strategy, customer and market focus, measurement, analysis, knowledge management, workforce, and operations. The 2025 SMBE recognition is given to:
Gold Recipients:
- Amerikooler, LLC, Hialeah, FL (www.amerikooler.com)
- Bausch +Lomb Pharmaceuticals, Tampa, FL (www.bausch.com/about-bausch-lomb/)
Silver Recipient:
- Blue Wind Technology, LLC, Pensacola, FL (www.bluewindtechnology.com)
Bronze Recipients:
- A&M Manufacturing, Inc., Alachua, FL (www.ammanufacturing.com)
- J.T.D. Enterprises, Inc., Lutz FL (www.jtd-ent.com)
“The Sterling Council is proud to honor and celebrate these five outstanding manufacturers, each of whom has demonstrated excellence and leadership in our regional manufacturing sector. Their commitment to high performance and innovation is truly commendable,” said Roland Martinez, Chairman of the Sterling Council. “These companies have undergone a rigorous evaluation process, demonstrating their ability to tackle strategic challenges and effectively align resources to achieve long- term success. They exemplify the very best in regional manufacturing. On behalf of The Sterling Council and our valued regional partners, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each company for this well- earned recognition.”
These five companies rose to the top in a field of 100 regional manufacturers nominated for this year’s awards. A team of Sterling Council-trained examiners and manufacturing community representatives contributed their time and expertise to evaluate the nominees, including virtual site visits and interviews with leaders and employees of each manufacturer.
The Sterling Council will celebrate and showcase these companies as they receive their awards at the 33rd Sterling Awards Banquet on May 30, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. They will be featured in plant tours and other activities for sharing best practices to benefit the region’s manufacturing sector. For more information about the SMBE Award, please visit https://thesterlingcouncil.org/smbea/ or contact the Sterling Council at SMBEA@thesterlingcouncil.org.
The Sterling Council established in 1992; is a public/private not-for-profit corporation supported by the Executive Office of the Governor. The Council oversees the Governor’s Sterling Award for Performance Excellence, and the Georgia Oglethorpe Award presented annually to high performing, role-model organizations, both private and public, who demonstrate superior management approaches and role model results. Sterling’s annual conference teaches participants how to elevate performance and increase productivity. Nearly 600 executives and professionals gather at this event each year for a one-stop source for education, information, and inspiration. The conference concludes with the recognition of best practices, the Team Showcase Champion, and the presentation of Sterling, Oglethorpe, and Manufacturing Business Excellence Awards. For more information, please contact Dione Geiger at (850) 922-5316 or visit www.thesterlingcouncil.org.
