DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee (DMTN) - As spring burst forth in the Smoky Mountains, so did recognition for DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee (DMTN), as the company received three prestigious awards.

Community award

The United Way bestowed its inaugural Spirit of Tennessee Award upon DMTN in April. Created to acknowledge the Tennessee business that performs exceptional campaigning for the United Way, the award is based on leadership, giving, volunteerism, employee participation, incentive programs and other considerations.

"DENSO has a great commitment to those in need in Blount County," said Sandra Davis, Blount County United Way executive director.

In 2001, the company raised $205,000 for 27 member agencies in the county, coupling this with a $50,000 corporate gift.

Environmental awards

In May, DMTN received the Tennessee Industrial Pollution Prevention Award, which was presented by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. According to the Tennessee State website, the award's purpose is to "recognize industrial facilities that are committed to corporate environmental stewardship and that have significantly reduced or eliminated sources of environmental pollution."

Embodying this goal last year, DMTN made numerous achievements in wastewater treatment and reduction and was complimented for its exemplary recycling and landfill diversion.

"This award reflects the on-going environmental efforts of all our associates," said Jim Woroniecki, senior vice president of Human Resources and Administration.

Maryville City Manager Gary Hensley placed the award nomination.

The same month, DMTN also received its eighth consecutive Pre-Treatment Excellence Award for continued outstanding wastewater operations from the Tennessee-Kentucky Water Environment Association.

- Kim Kovelle