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JAXUSA Partnership Honors Region’s Intl. Business Leaders at Quarterly Luncheon 2014

Sponsored by BBVA Compass Bank, the awards highlight the importance of international business in Northeast Florida and recognize companies and individuals for their outstanding business performance and corporate citizenship. The 2014 JAXUSA Partnership International Award winners are:

    International Large Company of the Year — Stellar

    International Medium Company of the Year – Saft America 

    International Leader of the Year – Dennis Kelly, regional vice president and general manager, TraPac

“We congratulate our International Award winners for their leadership as global business partners,” said JAXUSA Partnership President Jerry Mallot. “International business is an integral part of our local economy. Our award winners’ success speaks directly to the region’s competitive location, outstanding workforce and business advantages.”

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Stellar was honored for its international presence and global footprint. The company has more than 700 employees worldwide and is known for creating award-winning food processing plants, refrigerated warehouses, distribution centers, commercial buildings, military facilities, and energy plant solutions. Last year, Stellar’s revenue exceeded $512 million. The company was ranked as the 118th largest contractor in the nation by Engineering News-Record magazine. Additionally, Stellar earned the No. 1 spot in the food industry for food processing contracting services with $212 million in revenue. 

With its U.S. headquarters in Jacksonville, Saft America was recognized for its significant growth in Jacksonville as well as its global impact. The company has invested $220 million locally with an additional $1.4 million last year in research and development. Saft America has grown its operations in Jacksonville to support its local site and other sites in 18 countries where it has a presence. The Jacksonville plant currently exports shipments to Europe, India, South America and the Caribbean Islands, and shipments to Asia and Australia are anticipated to commence soon. 

TraPac Regional Vice President and General Manager Dennis Kelly was honored for his role in helping to expand the port and the logistics industry in Jacksonville. TraPac is one of the world’s largest shipping companies, experiencing growth at an annual rate of 20 percent. Its $300 million Dames Point Container Terminal showcases logistics industry innovation. TraPac is the only South Atlantic container terminal that uses real time GPS positioning. The company’s direct service to Asia has helped position Jacksonville on the international business map.

Adecco Group North America CEO Bob Crouch was the luncheon’s featured guest speaker. Adecco Group is the largest staffing company in the world. Crouch discussed workforce trends, the company’s recent decision to relocate its North American headquarters to Jacksonville and its future growth plans.