Family Business of the Year Award

High Industries, Inc. was selected as "Family Business of the Year," in the Large Company Category, in the sixth annual Family Business of the Year Awards. The award was presented on June 5, 2002 in Philadelphia by The Wharton School’s Enterprising Families Initiative.

High Industries was selected as one of three finalists from businesses with over 250 employees and was judged on its ability to demonstrate positive family/business linkage, multigenerational family business involvement and contributions to both industry and community, according to an announcement by The Wharton School. The finalists were selected from a pool of 1100 nominated family firms from the greater Philadelphia region and throughout Central Pennsylvania.

High and the other eight finalists were honored for their contributions to their respective industries and communities at the June 5, 2002 Awards Dinner in the ballroom of the Benjamin Franklin House, Philadelphia. Winners of the regional 2002 Family Business Award, one in each of three categories based on numbers of employees, were announced at the dinner. These winners will automatically be considered for the national awards program created by Mass Mutual.

Nominees were evaluated on longevity, family involvement, uniqueness of their beginnings and vision, family relationships and structure, stewardship, professionalism, business practices, external relationships to the community, and performance.

S. Dale High accepting the award

S. Dale High, Chairman of the Board and President of High Industries, Inc., accepted the award before a crowd of more than 300 attendees, including representatives from all of the High Companies and members of the High family.

"I am honored and grateful to accept this award on behalf of the entire High Industries, Inc. team, which has really made our success happen. The 2,600-plus co-workers have driven The High Companies forward with a strong commitment to The High Philosophy of building trustworthy relationships and being innovative leaders," High said. "Many family business leaders are passionate entrepreneurs. They love to create, they believe fully in their vision, they are totally engaged, they develop great teams and they take appropriate risks," he continued.

"Much of this nation’s wealth, employment and essential character is due to family-owned businesses of all sizes — driven by a strong sense of values, and a desire to serve their customers and the communities in which they live," High stated.

Greg High, Vice President of Development for High Hotels, Ltd., a High Industries, Inc. affiliated company, echoed his father’s sentiments. "My grandfather, Sanford High, had a saying which expressed what it means to go that extra mile … to give a baker’s dozen … to give beyond what was expected. He would say ‘Give Good Measure.’ This applies not only to the products and services provided to customers, but also in the way we all should give back to the communities where we live and work," he stated.

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Phil Clemens, Chairman and CEO of previous awards winner Clemens Family Corporation (Hatfield Quality Meats). The other 2002 winners included Philadelphia Tramrail Company in the Medium Company Category (50 to 250 employees), and the Delaware Valley Packaging Group in the Small Company Category (less than 50 employees). High Industries, Inc. won in the Large Company Category (more than 250 employees).