The Next Gen Award is given to individuals the WQA believes are making an impact at the early stage of their careers.

Pope was recognized for the significant contributions he has made to the industry, which includes sponsoring events, offering meeting space for industry training events, providing training for PHCC members and donating products.

MCAA recognized Xcel in the 100,000 to 250,000 hours-worked category.

The fund may provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors or full-time college students who are dependent children of SWA members and associate members.

The SBA’s small business awards program recognizes small business owners who have achieved notable success, have a substantial history of staying power, experienced significant expansion or growth, and incorporated noteworthy innovations in a particular service.

Vendors earned awards based on several criteria including growth over the previous year, volume sold over a period of years and selling to a breadth of locations that buy the vendor’s type of product.