http://www.atmoreadvance.com/articles/2007/08/20/news/news1.txt

Muskogee Metalworks recognized nationally

By Adrienne McKenzie

Muskogee Metalworks has received national recognition as the National
Minority Manufacturer of the Year.

The National Minority Manufacturer of the Year award is given away annually
to minority manufacturers that are certified. The award is given by the
U.S. Department of Commerce and the Minority Business Development Agency.

"I will accept the award at MED (Minority Enterprise Development) Week in
Atlanta," Mal McGhee, general manager of Muskogee Metalworks said in a
Coastal Gateway press release.

McGhee will accept the award in Atlanta Aug. 20. However, Atlanta is not
the only city recognizing the Atmore-based company.

"We will also be recognized in Mobile at the Alabama MBDA (Minority
Business Development Agency) and in Washington, D.C.," McGhee said.

In order to qualify as the National Minority Manufacturer of the Year, a
company must be a certified minority manufacturer. Also, the company must
be nominated by a minority organization.

"We are a wholly owned and operated tribal enterprise and were nominated by
the Southeast Region Minority Development Council," McGhee said.

Muskogee Metalworks is a company in corporation with the Creek Indian
Enterprises (CIE), which is part of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. It
was chosen from many applicants to be given the National Minority
Manufacturer of the Year award. There were applicants from all over the
United States. A small group of the applicants were submitted to a
selection committee at a national level.

Even though McGhee has not officially accepted the award, he has seen an
increase in awareness of the company because of the award.

"The recognition has already generated a huge amount of attention," McGhee
said. "This positive exposure is great for Muskogee Metalworks, the Tribe,
our the community and the state. The marketing benefits will be priceless."

According to the Muskogee Metalworks Web site, the company has been in
business for 18 years. Primarily, Muskogee Metalworks deals with designing
and manufacturing metal fabricated hardware. The product line includes
electronic assemblies and electro-mechanical production. Approximately 40
employees work at the Muskogee Metalworks site in Atmore.

Muskogee Metalworks is a growing company and with that growth,
relationships are established which produces more business opportunities.

The U.S. Air Force has been a good branch of the military to work with for
the past 10 years, according to McGhee.

"They have awarded us contracts that have allowed us to grow," McGhee said.
"Their programs such as mentor/prot/g/ and manufacturing assistance
production program we participated in have been extremely helpful."

Muskogee Metalworks employees use information to develop the company in all
areas.

"Our gross sales will exceed $12 million this year, with 90 percent coming
from the Department of Defense," McGhee said. "This is an over 300 percent
increase from last year's great year."

Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Authority president Wiley
Blankenship said in a press release that he is happy with the announcement
of Muskogee Metalworks' recognition.

"Coastal Gateway and its investors would like to congratulate Muskogee
Metalworks on this prestigious award and recognition," Blankenship said.
"Muskogee Metalworks reflects the dedication and caliber of the region's
highly skilled workforce. We are proud that Muskogee Metalworks has been
recognized as the best of the best."