Sherwood Recognition for Excellence in Innovation
Kent State University’s College of Technology held its tenth annual Vision 21 Awards Banquet, where it recognized Sherwood Advanced Composite Technologies’ excellence as a developer of innovative composite structures. This annual event is held to bestow recognition upon Kent State University graduates who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in their fields. The recipients are selected by a committee of current and former independent School of Technology faculty and administrators, as well as past recipients. Twenty-One alumni are honored as a symbol of the importance of technology in the 21st century. The highlight of the evening is the prestigious Clinton Van Deusen Award which is presented to an individual who has had a significant impact on the overall success of the College of Technology.
In addition to the Vision 21 awards Kent State University also recognizes industry partners who have performed exceptionally in the area of advancing technology in their field. Sherwood’s recognition award was presented by William “Tom” Southards who is the Director of the N.E. Ohio Manufacturing Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) in conjunction with Kent State University. Mr. Southards has been very helpful in assisting Sherwood through a period of growth and transition.
Mr. Southards has been helpful in implementing a Lean Manufacturing program to increase Sherwood’s efficiency and productivity. In addition to the lean manufacturing program Mr. Southards has helped Sherwood with employee training reimbursement programs, industrial services and product networking, capitol equipment sourcing and funding, political-industry interactions, and technology collaborations. Also with Mr. Southards, Sherwood has been working with Donald Schneck of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) out of the Kent State University Stark County campus. Mr. Schneck has been working with Sherwood in the areas of improving employee culture, Human Resource assistance, marketing consultation, sales strategy support, business development contacts, and tradeshow familiarity.
The award was accepted by Ron Brookes, CEO and Greg Brookes, President of Sherwood. Their leadership and business skills have been demonstrated by the expansion into new processes, applications of new materials, and growth, as well as over 40 years of continuous service that has contributed to the technology-based economic development of the region. Through this award Kent State University has recognized Sherwood Advanced Composite Technologies as a highly valued member of the Ohio business and advanced technology communities, and a supporter of Ohio’s manufacturing and materials technology business development. Kent State was also proud to acknowledge Sherwood’s dedicated partnership, as an outstanding high-technology Ohio company, to the University for the overall success technology-based economic and academic development of the region.