Americo Press Release (7/13)

July 18, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Americo Proudly Supports and Advises Local Students in National Junior Achievement Company of the Year Competition.

The teen entrepreneurs go on to win the national title in Washington, D.C. by developing a customizable product for the home or office.

ACWORTH, GEORGIA, July 15, 2013 — On Wednesday, June 19, at Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan International Center, a local team of teen entrepreneurs were awarded the title of 2013 U.S. Junior Achievement (JA) Company of the Year.  The winning team, called Custom Coasters, was selected from 15 teen-run finalist companies representing all regions of the United States.  Each year, thousands of teenagers across the country form real companies as they learn, first hand, what it takes to start and run their own businesses.  In addition to JA Company of the Year, Custom Coasters was also recognized with the NYSE Euronext Foundation’s award for the Best Financial Performance of any company in the USA.

As part of the National JA Company of the Year Competition, each team had to create a commercial about their company, make a presentation to a judging panel of business leaders and sell their product in a trade fair on Capitol Hill.  Custom Coasters found a niche by developing a product that offers a functional device along with the ability to add a personal touch for individual or promotional use.  The company created and produced tailor-made coasters, personalized with a photograph or other design provided by its clients. The team, consisting mainly of high school sophomores and juniors, was one of the youngest to be invited to compete on the national level.

“When we were called up for JA Company of the Year, we couldn't believe that we had won, especially after we had already been awarded for financials,” said Custom Coasters Vice President of Production Jan Berland, sophomore at Riverwood High School. “We had worked hard all year and put a ton of dedication into the program, but we never expected to be awarded first place as probably the youngest and least experienced company.”

Over the seven months leading up to the national competition, the members of Custom Coasters were advised by volunteers from UPS and Americo Manufacturing Co., as part of the JA Fellows program.  Americo’s very own Chief Executive Officer and JA Volunteer Advisor, Leonard Shutzberg, stated, “This is the very first time that Georgia has ever had a national winner for JA’s Company of the Year.  This is an incredible honor for these kids and I am very thankful for the support that Americo gave them over this past year.” 

Americo offers extended congratulations to 16-year old Ali Shutzberg and 18-year old Andrew Shutzberg, who were both team members of Custom Coasters, 2013 JA National Champions.  The winning team is comprised of 15 teens from area high schools including North Springs Charter High School, The Weber School, Riverwood High School, The Galloway School, W.D Mohammed Schools and Pace Academy. 

JA Fellows is an after-school, entrepreneurial and business development program offered by JA of Georgia.  More than 300 9th-12th grade students participated in the hands-on program this past year.  JA Fellows is currently recruiting student participants and business volunteers for the 2013/2014 program. To find out how you can get involved, visit https://www.georgia.ja.org/about-programs.

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About the Company

Americo Manufacturing Company, headquartered in Acworth, Georgia is a leading manufacturer of sustainable products such as synthetic and natural fiber floor pads, hand pads, utility pads and floor matting. 100% of the polyester fiber used in pads produced by Americo comes from recycled material from post-industrial and post-consumer waste and the binders we use are based on water-based technology. Americo’s products are currently sold worldwide as we enter into our 44th year of operation.

AMERICO MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
6224 North Main Street
Acworth, GA 30101
Phone: +1 770-974-7000
Fax: +1 770-974-0614
http://www.americomfg.com/

Company Contact: Cameron Harrison
Marketing Coordinator
charrison@americomfg.com