Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield was honored with the Friend of the Industry award from Manufacture Alabama at their annual legislative reception and dinner on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022.
According to the association, the Friend of the Industry award recognizes public officials, community leaders and industry representatives for their outstanding work that benefits all aspects of the needs of manufacturers. Recipients are those who have made recent significant contributions to the advancement of the manufacturing industry in Alabama.
“Secretary Canfield’s commitment to the manufacturing industry in Alabama and his leadership which results in quality, good-paying jobs embodies what this award is all about,” said George Clark, president of Manufacture Alabama. “His achievements have contributed to a countless number of Alabamians, setting the standard for future growth and economic opportunities across the state.”
Since his appointment as the secretary of commerce in July 2011, Alabama has attracted economic development projects totaling over $50 billion in new private-sector capital investment and 160,000-plus jobs. A significant percentage of those projects were specifically in the manufacturing industry. He has worked closely with multiple companies to establish new operations or expand their presence within the state, spurring growth in the aerospace, automotive, chemical, iron and steel, advance materials and pulp and paper sectors.
“I am very honored to receive the Friend of the Industry award from Manufacture Alabama because I see every day the important role that manufacturing plays in the economic vitality of communities and families across the state,” Canfield said. “I’m constantly impressed by the talents of our manufacturing workforce, whose accomplishments mean ‘Made in Alabama’ is a badge of quality recognized around the world, and I’m fully committed to extending the sector’s momentum.”
Canfield is the first to receive the Friend of the Industry award from Manufacture Alabama.
