11th Annual Existing Industry Awards
Nominations Open June 1st for the 2023 Existing Industry Awards
Event Date: October 19th, 2023
Location: Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Time: Check-in starts at 5:00 pm, Event Program 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Nomination Deadline: August 1st, 2023
The EDAWN Existing Industry Awards recognizes Primary Companies in the region for their outstanding contribution to our community in a variety of ways. A Primary Company is a private sector company in Washoe County, Storey County/TRIC, or Fernley where the majority of the company’s revenue (>50%) is generated from outside the State of Nevada. The Existing Industry Awards provide a great opportunity to recognize existing Primary Companies for their contribution to Northern Nevada.
Questions regarding the event and/or nomination process may be directed to Amanda Berry, Manager, Business Retention, Expansion & Workforce Development.
2023 Industry Awards Winners, Categories, and Criteria
2023 Existing Industry Awards Categories
Tech Innovation Award
Criteria: This award is designed for small or large technology-based companies which focus on the development, marketing, or manufacturing of technology, or which provide technology as a service. It also includes companies that have used technology to significantly transform their business model to improve operations, customer service, and/or profitability. This may include software, hardware, cyber-security, IoT, robotics, and other tech related products and services. The company must be generating revenue to qualify.
Description required: Describe why you call yourselves a “tech company” based on the product or services you are developing, marketing, or manufacturing, what industry you serve, and how your company contributes to the economic diversity in the region – or describe how the application of new technology has transformed your business in the last year, with documentation of benefits.
Philanthropy Hero (Large and Small company categories)
Criteria: Company which has made significant philanthropic contributions in money, employee volunteer hours or in-kind donations, to a charitable organization or organizations in the region, or any combination of the above.
Description required: Please provide a summary and breakdown if available, of the dollars, hours and/or value of in-kind donations during the award period. Please explain the impact your contributions are having in the community that might not occur without your support.
Employees First (Large and Small company categories)
Criteria: Recognizes companies that have invested in innovative programs to retain, develop, encourage, and reward existing employees. This category is also open to companies who have implemented special programs that support employees or who have implemented new diversity and inclusion initiatives in your business.
Description required: Please provide a description of initiatives and programs implemented, to retain, develop, encourage, and reward existing employees, or programs that support the hiring of members of the National Guard, Reserve or Veterans. If it applies, please explain the components of new diversity and inclusion practices you have implemented in the qualifying period. Please explain the benefits of the programs you have implemented.
Small But Mighty
Criteria: Recognizes companies that have 10 or less employees worldwide and are generating more than $250,000 annually in revenue. Must still be a primary company generating more than 50% of your revenues from outside the state.
Description Required: Please provide a description of your business including what you do, verify the number of employees, and confirm that your total annual revenues for the previous year exceeded $250,000.
Leader in Sustainability Award (Large and Small company categories)
Criteria: Company manufactures a product or provides a service which enables their customers to conserve natural resources and/or reduce their carbon footprint. Companies that have implemented resource saving and/or recycling initiatives within their Northern Nevada operations.
Description required: If you manufacture a product or provide a service which enables your customers to conserve natural resources or have implemented your own resource saving and/or recycling initiatives, please provide a description of your product or service and quantify the benefits of the product, service, or initiative, resulting in a reduction in consumption or carbon footprint versus traditional practices.
Manufacturing Excellence Award (Large and Small company categories)
Criteria: Company is currently manufacturing a product in EDAWN’s serving territory, and has demonstrated excellence via revenue growth, sustained market share, customer satisfaction ratings, industry awards or recognition, successful automation implementation, expansion into new markets, capital investment in new equipment, or has launched a new product line in the past year.
Description required: Please provide a summary of your revenue growth, description of your market share performance, customer satisfaction ratings, industry awards or recognition, measurable process improvement, capital investment in new equipment, expansion into new markets or new product line launch in the past year.
Engagement with Education Award
Criteria: Company has actively engaged with education partners (at any level K-16) to support and/or actively participate in programs, collaborate on curriculum, provide leadership on advisory councils, provide scholarships/ funding/donations, hire interns or apprentices, and/or is creating ongoing, collaborative engagements with education and training providers in the region.
Description required: Please describe how your company has actively engaged with education partners to support and/or actively participate in programs, collaborate on curriculum, provide leadership on advisory councils, provide scholarships, funding, or donations, hire interns or apprentices, and/or create ongoing, collaborative relationships with education/training providers in the region. Please include details of your engagement and the benefits to you as the employer and to the educational institution and its students.
Company of the Year (Large and Small business categories)
Criteria: Company which has documented exemplary performance in multiple categories listed in the overall criteria and stands out as a “shining star” based on industry leadership in at least 3 out of the industry award categories, and overall contribution to the region and State. (Please note, that companies can only win in one category per event.)
Description Required: Please provide a detailed description as to how your company has made a significant contribution to the region and State by standing out in at least three categories for the 2023 Existing Industry Awards. The winner of this award will have demonstrated excellence and leadership through its commitment to its employees, customers, environment, educational institutions, industry and/or community.
Community Partner Award-Nominated Internally by EDAWN
Criteria: This award is designed for public sector or non-profit community partners and the winner is selected by the EDAWN staff. The Entity/Agency must have demonstrated innovative programs and active engagement as a community partner to EDAWN in a way that supports business attraction, retention, workforce development, or entrepreneurial development. Decision will be based on overall contribution to EDAWN’s achievement of its strategic objectives.
Description Required: Please provide a summary of the impact of activities that you have engaged in as a community partner to EDAWN, in support of business attraction, retention, workforce development, or entrepreneurial development and how you have helped EDAWN to achieve its strategic objectives.
President’s Award
Criteria: This award is an optional category at the CEO’s discretion, to be utilized when a local organization or entity has helped EDAWN to make a difference in the community in a unique and measurable way. Decision will be based on the entity’s contribution to an EDAWN department, program, or strategic initiative.
2023 Existing Industry Awards (General Criteria)
October 19th, 2023 | Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Primary Company
To participate, companies must be defined as a *Primary Company except for the Community Partner and the President’s award categories.
*Primary Company is a private sector company in Washoe County, the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center or Fernley, where the majority of the company’s revenue (>50%) is generated from outside the State of Nevada.
Target Industries Encouraged
Target nominees are those in the EDAWN Strategic Plan Target Industries, however, all primary companies that are nominated will be considered.
Small Vs. Large Employer
Small is defined as a primary employer with 50 or less employees worldwide. Large is defined as a primary employer with 51 employees or greater. The exception is the category of “Small But Mighty” which is limited to companies with 10 or fewer employees.
Entries for Nominations
- Descriptions of qualifications are required for all categories. Word count is limited to 500 words so concise but detailed documentation is necessary and assists the judging team with their decision. Please also include your company’s website to reference in the appropriate field. Judges will navigate to the company website to learn more as they may be unfamiliar with your company.
- Nomination process: Nominations will be accepted from individuals, companies, community partners, and the nominating committee. The nomination form must be completed in full and submitted by the application deadline of August 1st, 2023. Entries received after closing date will not be entered into the awards. For third party nominations, EDAWN will request supporting documentation from the company to complete the nomination process. If we are unable to contact the company, it may prevent acceptance of the nomination. Nomination forms will be posted on the EDAWN website to be submitted electronically. A company logo and a one-line description for use in the event program will be required from all nominees, in addition to the description of qualifications based on the category criteria. If your nomination cannot be submitted electronically, or if you experience any difficulties, please contact Amanda Berry at 775-829-3712 or berry@edawn.org to make alternate arrangements.
Event Details
- Event will be publicized via the EDAWN Executive Update, Press Releases, and multiple Social Media outlets, and will be added to print media calendars.
- This event is administered by EDAWN.
- Nominees are required to have been operational in the region as of January 1, 2023. The timeframe for all categories for supporting documentation and description of activities that meet the criteria is from January 2022 through the nomination deadline. The exception is the Philanthropy Hero Category, and the timeline for documentation is the calendar year 2022 (the previous full year of contributions.)
- Companies may only receive one award in any given year. Companies may be nominated in multiple categories. If you have nominated your company or another company in 3 or more categories, please consider nominating the company for Company of the Year as an alternative, and provide a summary of the multiple areas in which they stand out. Companies may not receive an award in the same category within a 5-year period.
- In the event of a tie, a second judging round will take place to determine the winner. If there is a tie after the second round, EDAWN will select the winner based on fulfillment of the category criteria. EDAWN reserves the right to move nominations between categories. EDAWN strives to recognize companies across the EDAWN serving territory and, in cases where an area is underrepresented, location may become a factor and encourages nominations from Washoe County, TRIC (Storey County) and Fernley.
- The winners agree to take part and assist with any promotional activities or public relations activities in support of the awards. The winners agree to send at least one representative to take part in the nominee reception, and to receive the award in person at the event on Thursday, October 19th at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm. If unable to attend, please send another company representative. Local dignitaries will also be on hand to recognize winners and professional photographs will be taken during the event.
- Up to (2) representatives from each nominated company will be invited to attend an exclusive reception with local dignitaries before the 5:30pm program. Attendance is encouraged by all nominated companies to attend the program and post-event reception from 5:00pm – 7:30pm.
- Winners will be announced the evening of the event. Business Attire is appropriate. Winners are not required to speak on stage at the event. Professional digital photographs will be provided to the winners by EDAWN as soon as they become available.

View previous year award winners
List of Winners
Tech Innovation Award | HORIBA Instruments |
Philanthropy Hero – Small | River City Logistics, Inc. |
Philanthropy Hero – Large | NOW Foods |
Employees First Award-Small | PK Electrical |
Employees First Award-Large | Elemental LED |
Small But Mighty | Rowdy, LLC |
Leader In Sustainability-Small | Outlaw Soaps Inc. |
Leader In Sustainability-Large | nZero |
Manufacturing Excellence Award-Small | Halogen Systems, Inc. |
Manufacturing Excellence Award-Large | Dragonfly Energy Corp. |
Trex Company, Inc. | |
Engagement With Education Award | ITS Logistics |
Community Partner Award | PBS Reno |
Company Of The Year Award-Small | Atlas Magnetics Co. |
Company Of The Year Award-Large | Panasonic Energy of North America |
Presidents Award | Nevada Cares Campus |
List of Winners
Tech Innovation | ITS Logistics |
Covid Champion | Custom Ink |
Corporate Citizen Small | Red Dot Management, LLC |
Corporate Citizen Large | Monin |
Employees First Small | Iris Automation |
Employees First Large | Bombora |
Small But Mighty | American Duchess |
Leader In Sustainability | Fulcrum BioEnergy |
Manufacturing Excellence Small | Nutrient Survival |
Manufacturing Excellence Large | Haws Corporation |
Engagement with Education Small | TrainerRoad |
Engagement with Education Large | Intuit |
Community Partner | Community Foundation of Northern Nevada |
Company of the Year Small | Tahoe Trail Bar |
Company of the Year Large | Nature’s Bakery |
President’s Award | Artown |
2021 Industry Awards Program
October 17, 2019
Tech Innovation | Figure Technologies |
Corporate Citizen Small | KPS3 Marketing |
Corporate Citizen Large | UPS |
Employees First Small | Full Tilt Logistics |
Employees First Large | NOW Foods |
Small But Mighty | GroupGets LLC |
Leader In Sustainability Small | Itronics |
Leader in Sustainability Large | Switch |
Manufacturing Excellence | ERG Aerospace |
Engagement with Education | Bender Group |
Community Partner | 1 Million Cups Reno |
Company of the Year Small | Davidson’s Organics Teas |
Company of the Year Large | Alchemy |
President’s Award | The Village on Sage Street |
October 24, 2018
Biggest Little Wow | Strykagen |
Corporate Citizen Small | CVirtual |
Corporate Citizen Large | Patagonia |
Employees First Small | Orthopaedic Implant Company |
Employees First Large | Chewy.com |
Small But Mighty | HIDEit Mounts, Inc. |
Leader In Sustainability Small | Creative Coverings Linen Rentals & Sales |
Leader in Sustainability Large | Haws Corporation |
Manufacturing Excellence Small | Revision Brewing Company |
Manufacturing Excellence Large | NOW Foods |
Partnership with Education | Panasonic Energy of North America |
Community Partner | NCET |
Company of the Year Small | Rubik Environmental, Inc. |
Company of the Year Large | Elemental LED, Inc. |
October 24, 2017
Biggest Little Wow | Bombora, Inc. |
Corporate Citizen Small | Full Tilt Logistics |
Corporate Citizen Large | Server Technology |
Employees First Small | Healing HealthCare Systems, Inc. |
Employees First Large | Patagonia |
Founders Award | Damon Industries |
Leader In Sustainability Small | Dragonfly Energy |
Leader in Sustainability Large | NOW Health Group, Inc. |
Manufacturing Excellence Small | Moment Skis |
Manufacturing Excellence Large | Sierra Nevada Corporation |
Partnership with Education | Switch |
Community Partner | Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County |
Company of the Year Small | Gyford Productions, LLC |
Company of the Year Large | Grand Rounds |
October 13, 2016
Biggest Little Wow | Abaris Training Resources, Inc. |
Corporate Citizen Small | Kimmie Candy |
Corporate Citizen Large | ITS Logistics |
Employees First Small | Noble Studios |
Employees First Large | CustomInk |
Founders Award Small | Davidson’s Organics |
Founders Award Large | Jensen Precast |
Leader In Sustainability Small | Speed of Air |
Leader in Sustainability Large | Tesla |
Manufacturing Excellence Small | CalRamic Technologies, LLC |
Manufacturing Excellence Large | Server Technology |
Partnership with Education | Charles River |
Community Partner | Nevada Industry Excellence |
Company of the Year Small | Drone America |
Company of the Year Large | Clear Capital |
Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 Existing Industry Awards!
We truly appreciate your investment and commitment to the region.
Biggest Little WOW: Filament
Corporate Citizen Award: Burkhart Dental
Employees First Award: Advanced Precision Inc.
Founders Award: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Leader in Sustainability: Fortifiber Corporation
Manufacturing Excellence Small Award: Itronics Inc.
Manufacturing Excellence Large Award: Lincoln Electric Cutting Systems
We Think Local Award: Sports Attack
Community Partner Award: Truckee Meadows Water Authority
Company of the Year-Small: Bristlecone Holdings
Company of the Year-Large: Server Technology
President’s Award: Reno Sparks Cab Co. and Whittlesea Checker Taxi/Bell Limousine
Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 Existing Industry Awards!
We truly appreciate your investment and commitment to the region.
Biggest Little WOW: Access Event Solutions
Corporate Citizen Small: Computerized Screening Inc.
Corporate Citizen Large: Haws Corporation
Employees First: Fortifiber Building Systems Group
Founders Award: EP Minerals
Leader in Sustainability: Trex Company Inc.
Supply Chain Excellence: AVA Logistics
Think Local Small: AD Hawk
Think Local Large: Belnick Inc.
Community Partner: Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
Company of the Year-Small: NevadaNano
Company of the Year Large: NOW Foods
President’s Award: Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center
(L. Lance Gilman, Roger William Norman, Don Roger Norman)