Today, there are almost 350 manufacturing establishments in Southwest Virginia responsible for the employment of almost 17,000 individuals.

The mission of the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM) as an organization is to support the sustainment and advancement of manufacturing in Southwest Virginia. One way it does so is through community outreach initiatives such as school visits, plant visits, town halls, and scholarships to students interested in a post-secondary education directed towards a manufacturing career.

This year, the scholarship committee members interviewed over a dozen students for these scholarships. The organization, its board, and committee granted eight scholarships to students who displayed a passion for pursuing and aiding the local manufacturing community.

Eric McCracken from Bristol, Virginia, was one of the eight regional recipients of this scholarship. The judges were impressed with his understanding of how manufacturing impacted the regional economy, the role of engineering, and his family’s employment history with local manufacturers.

Many thanks to SVAM and Virginia High School for the opportunity to present this award to a deserving recipient.