Each year, NAHAD proudly honors a qualified industry leader to receive its highest recognition, the George W. Carver Award for Outstanding Commitment to Industry Excellence.
George Wilson Carver, a founding father and third president of NAHAD, served the association and the industry with dedication, grace and distinction. George's lifelong commitment to team work and excellence was distilled during his formative years and was furthered throughout his business career.
A 1953 graduate of Duke University, George pitched their baseball team to Southern Conference Championships in 1952 and 1953 and while serving in the U.S. Air Force, he pitched and coached the Air Force team to a World Championship. In 1963, he founded Catawba Industrial Rubber, which he owned until his retirement in 1995. He also established Dixie Rubber Corporation in Greenville, SC, Coastal Hose & Rubber in Wilmington, NC and Danflex of the UK.
As NAHAD president, George hosted NAHAD's 5th Annual Meeting & Convention with the theme of "Human Capital." Guiding and mentoring employees was a theme that George believed in very strongly. When he retired in 1995, he was able to ensure a successful transition in his companies with ownership passing to key employees, including current Catawba president, Marvin "Skip" Bruce.
Dedicated in memory of George's spirit and his quiet, firm commitment to team work and excellence, the award is presented at NAHAD's annual convention to a qualified and deserving NAHAD member.
Letters of Nomination for the 2012 George W. Carver Award are now being accepted. Letters should outline the nominee's business and professional qualifications along with any civic activities that reflect George Carvers' commitment to team work, employee development and business excellence. Letters should be emailed toCarverAward@nahad.org, faxed to 1-410-263-1659 or mailed to NAHAD, 180 Admiral Cochrane Drive, Suite 370, Annapolis, MDÂ 21401, be to received no later than January 6, 2012.