Eight Louisiana Manufacturers Honored In 2014 Lantern Awards

BATON ROUGE, La. — Today, Louisiana Economic Development honored the 2014 Lantern Award winners during a private reception held at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. Lantern Award winners demonstrate excellence in manufacturing and outstanding service to their communities through the involvement of their businesses and employees.

“The 2014 Lantern Awards recognize Louisiana-based manufacturers who demonstrate true quality in their work and genuine commitment to their local communities,” LED Secretary Stephen Moret said. “With their focus on improvement, growth and innovation, this year’s Lantern Award winners also are helping us position Louisiana as the best state for business investment and job creation. We congratulate them on their many accomplishments and are truly grateful for the career opportunities they provide to the people of our state.”

Lantern Award winners are selected by the Louisiana Association of Planning and Development Districts, with merit selections of one winner for each of the state’s eight regions. Winners exemplify manufacturing excellence as illustrated by the overall contributions to their communities, including investments in employment growth and facility expansion. Each business also must demonstrate sustainability by remaining in operation at least three years prior to the nomination.

The 2014 Louisiana Lantern Award winners are:

Acadiana Region
Omega Protein Inc.
Abbeville

Bayou Region
Valero St. Charles Refinery
Norco

Capital Region
PreSonus Audio Electronics Inc.
Baton Rouge

Central Region
Eclectic Products Inc.
Pineville

Northeast Region
Sapa Extrusions
Delhi

Northwest Region
International Paper Company, Mansfield Mill
Mansfield

Southeast Region
Mele Printing
Covington

Southwest Region
Airmaster Aerator LLC
DeRidder

Another highlight of the Lantern Awards ceremony features the 2013 Louisiana Performance Excellence Award winners recognized by the Louisiana Quality Foundation. This year’s five winners are the Xavier University College of Business in New Orleans; the Jefferson Business and Career Solutions Center, the Jefferson Community Action Programs and the Louisiana Organ Procurement Association, each based in Jefferson Parish; and R&H Quality Refractory Services in Sulphur, Louisiana.

Since LED launched the Lantern Awards in 1979, the program has recognized more than 280 Louisiana manufacturing businesses. LED’s program partners include the Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association and the Louisiana Quality Foundation.

Award winners receive lanterns handcrafted and donated by Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights of New Orleans. The lanterns have become a trademark of New Orleans, and Bevolo is the oldest and largest copper gas lantern manufacturer in the U.S. and the second-oldest in the world.