Local industry SKC, a global supplier of polyester films, was named the 2013 Partner of the Year at the Newton County School Systems Cornerstones Partners in Education Reception Tuesday.
The reception honored businesses and other community partners that dedicated time and funding to Newton County schools during the 2012-2013 school year.
Newton County Chamber of Commerce President Hunter Hall presented the award to SKC officials for their partnership with the Newton College and Career Academy. Hall said NCCA Principal James Woodard wrote in nominating SKC that the company “truly exemplified what commitment and engagement is really about.”
SKC donated $10,000 to the academy over a span of three years and has developed internship opportunities for students at its manufacturing plant. The company has also offered students human resource knowledge and real-world experience.
SKC president Hojin Kim, CFO Richard Kim, vice president of operations Tom Gray and human resources manager Carol Jones accepted the award.
“SKC is proud to accept this honor. We have a vested interest obviously in the education of our youth,” said Gray. “It’s a little more than that. We’re expanding. We’re investing. We’re hiring people. We want to hire locally as much as possible.”
“Having the kids come up and work with SKC through internships or just touring the facility to open their minds to manufacturing is very important,” Gray said.
Gray said SKC was an example of positive things that come out of manufacturing.
The company has more than 300 employees and is currently expanding with a $100 million investment in facilities, which Gray said will bring new jobs.
During the program, Mathews thanked each of the partners for supporting NCSS schools.
“A great deal has been accomplished through your contributions,” Mathews said.
The Partners in Education program, developed in 1986, includes collaborations with businesses, social-service and governmental agencies, colleges and universities, civic groups, churches and other interested community members, according to information from NCSS website.
