International Council salutes Komatsu, MadPriest

The International Business Council of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce recognized Komatsu’s Chattanooga manufacturing operation and Mad Priest Coffee Roasters with its 2018 International Business Awards.

The awards, which were presented last week during the group’s annual meeting, are presented for contributions of businesses with an international focus in the Chattanooga area.

The Japanese-based Komatsu has been manufacturing in Chattanooga since 1986, and was recognized for 32 years of manufacturing excellence and community service.

“The Chattanooga Manufacturing Operation prides itself in building some of the highest quality construction machines available for the North American market,” said Komatsu General Manager Walt Nichols. “We strive to be good corporate citizens and neighbors within our community.”

Mad Priest Coffee, which began in 2016, was recognized for work with equity, social justice and the environment. Mad Priest works closely with Bridge Refugee Services to hire and train locally resettled individuals displaced from their home countries by war, persecution or natural disaster.

Mad Priest owner Michael Rice said the company “loves being part of the coffee industry where success isn’t just about a hard little bean, it’s about the global community.”