EDAWN presents its annual Industry Awards

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) celebrated the contributions and successes of existing companies in the Greater Reno-Sparks area at the 5th Annual EDAWN Existing Industry Awards.

Clear Capital, a Reno-based company that provides valuations, data analytics and technology solutions for the real estate industry, was presented with the 2016 Large Company of the Year award.

Kevin Marshall, president of Clear Capital, who moved his company from Truckee a few years ago, humbled to that the company was even considered for an award.

“Now that we’ve been in Reno for a few years we’re able to reflect on what Reno has to offer a business like ours. We have a lot of clients or governmental agencies that come in and often have a preconceived notion of Reno. Once they get here and look around, they say ‘We get it, we get why you’re here,’” Marshall said after the ceremony. “For us, this award validates our choice of moving our headquarters and a large portion of our staff to Reno.”

Drone America, a Reno-based aircraft systems manufacturer for variety of applications such as search and rescue operations, was recognized as the 2016 Small Company of the Year award.

Mike Richards, Drone America’s president and CEO, said he was pleasantly surprised by the honor bestowed on his company.

“Drone America was founded on the principle of helping people through difficult situations,” Richards said. “For us to receive this award now after starting it in 2001, reflects that not only does Nevada have silver and gold in the mountain, but it has silver and gold in its people. What we have found most important is the employees and supporters of Drone America.”

More than 50 companies based in Washoe County, the Tahoe Reno Industrial and Fernley were nominated for their contributions at the ceremony Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Atlantis Resort Spa Casino.

Nominations were open to all primary companies doing business in the area that are served by EDAWN.

Other 2016 EDAWN Existing Industry Award winners were:

Biggest Little Wow: Abaris Training Resources, Inc.

Corporate Citizen Small Company: Kimmie Candy

Corporate Citizen Large Company: ITS Logistics

Employees First Small Company: Noble Studios

Employees First Large Company: CustomInk

Founders Award Small Company: Davidson’s Organics

Founders Award Large Company: Jensen Precast

Leader in Sustainable Small Company: Speed of Air

Leader in Sustainable Large Company: Tesla

Manufacturing Excellence Small Company: CalRamic Technologies, LLC

Manufacturing Excellence Large Company: Server Technology

Partnership With Education: Charles River

Community Partner: Nevada Industry Excellence