At USA we are very grateful for our Supplier-Partners and the support and commitment they demonstrate to the alliance principles we are built on. Expectations are high on both sides of the relationship and we continue to strive for the mutually beneficial outcomes that have defined USA since our inception.
USA’s coveted Supplier of the Year awards were presented at the recent Executive Summit to recognize the “best of the best” for 2018 performance. Supplier of the Year voting is a cross-functional effort conducted among key member stakeholders across the Alliance based on pre-determined criteria such as savings, technical support, work performance and continuous improvement. To be eligible, a USA Supplier-Partner must achieve a pre-determined level of savings and be utilized by at least 50% of USA members. Competition is always stiff.
In 2018 we welcomed some familiar faces back to the winner’s circle and greeted a newcomer as well. EnergySolutions has long been a strong contender for the “SOTY” award in the service category and they broke through for the win in 2018 with another strong year of excellent customer service and support provided to each of our participating members. “We are honored that the Utilities Service Alliance (USA) selected EnergySolutions for the annual 2018 Services Supplier of the year award,” stated Ken Robuck, President and CEO of EnergySolutions. “To be recognized for superior customer service, quality products, innovation and teamwork in support of the nuclear power generating industry is a strong indication of our dedication to the alliance and nuclear power industry. I also want to recognize every EnergySolutions employee for their commitment and dedication in ensuring that all needs are met for the members of the Utilities Service Alliance.”
The AP Services business unit of Curtiss-Wright is a repeat winner in the Materials category and a fixture at USA based on the rock-solid value they provide year after year in gasket and sealing products and services. “We deeply appreciate being presented the USA Supplier of the Year Award for Materials” said Joe Cinelli, Curtiss-Wright VP of Sales. “The opportunity to support the USA Fleet and being recognized amongst all the other quality suppliers is very gratifying for our company. I would like to thank the members for allowing us the ability to build the long-standing relationships and support their stations. It is very satisfying to share this with the people that really make this possible at Curtiss-Wright AP Services. We have a great team that works every day to ensure we are exceeding the expectations of the USA Fleet and their member stations.”
The 2018 SOTY for Technology went to Paragon Energy Solutions. Selected by a panel of USA Site Representatives from among several worthy entries, Paragon has demonstrated a commitment to advanced technology to increase efficiency and lower costs, most notably through implementation of their PEAKS program. Doug VanTassell, President and CEO of Paragon explained “At Paragon, winning the USA Supplier of the Year award is one of our key objectives and our team focuses on bringing as much value and savings as possible to the Alliance. Winning the award validates our relentless pursuit to be innovative and listen to our customers problems and then provide solutions that allow the fleet to operate safely, reliably and economically. As the CEO of Paragon, I am very proud of my team and this award. It motivates us to dig deeper and work harder to keep the nuclear fleet sustainable by providing new ideas and technologies.”
USA is proud to recognize 2018 Suppliers of the Year EnergySolutions, Curtiss-Wright AP Services and Paragon Energy Solutions. “We are extremely fortunate to have an outstanding group of Supplier-Partners,” said Jim Kitchens, Director of Economic Strategies, “and our 2018 award winners represent their peers well and are very worthy recipients of their awards.”