Local officials took to the greens to honor local manufacturers on Monday with the 32nd annual Industry Appreciation Day.
The event, held at McMinnville Country Club, featured 104 golfers and 26 teams.
“A lot of places have days like this and they use them as a fundraiser,” said Todd Herzog, one of the organizers. “Our tournament is strictly a way to honor industry. We feed them lunch and dinner and give them free beverages all day on the golf course. I know this is a biased opinion, but I think it’s the finest industry day in Middle Tennessee.”
The Business Roundtable Action Committee was joined by the Industrial Development Board in sponsoring the event. Herzog says nearly every major industrial employer in Warren County had a representative at the outing. An invitation was also extended to Viam Manufacturing in adjacent Coffee County and that company was represented by its president and CEO Satoshi Kawamora, who hit several nice golf shots.
Kidd Ford owner Terry Kidd was ready to give away a free car for a hole-in-one on hole No. 7, but no one gave it a good run. Closest to the hole on No. 7 was about 15 feet away.
Elected officials state Rep. Charles Curtiss and County Executive John Pelham participated. U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais spoke but did not play golf.
Emerging as the tournament winner with a score of 10-under par was the team of Jon Kidd, Webber Cantrell, Gilbert Hayes and Steven Helton.
Also finishing 10-under par and capturing second place was the team of Phil Whisenhunt, Chad Dees, Mark Miller and Bill Dotson.
“I couldn’t imagine it being a better day,” said Herzog. “It’s kind of like planning a wedding. There are a zillion things to do.”
Golf tourney honors local industries

