NORTHBRIDGE – Riverdale Mills Corp., a leading American manufacturer of premium welded wire mesh fabrics for the marine, security, construction and agriculture industries, and a vital part of the Blackstone Valley for 40 years, recently received the John McArthur Community Commerce Innovation Award.
The award, presented by the Venly Institute in Cambridge, honors businesses who create sustainable and impactful partnerships with members of their communities and are role models for the country.
Riverdale Mills was recognized for its partnership with the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Hub, which provides programs and services for local businesses and schools.
“The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Hub has enabled the teaching of much-needed technical and employment skills to young graduates, veterans and previously incarcerated individuals looking to enter the local workforce,” Riverdale Mills CEO Jim Knott said.
“Riverdale has benefited directly from the advanced manufacturing training provided to these young men and women. We have both bolstered our relationships with the residents of Central Massachusetts and magnified our own workforce and productivity through the hiring of several full- and part-time Education Hub graduates.
“We are proud to have partnered with the Blackstone Valley Chamber on so many initiatives,” Knott said.
Riverdale Mills, committed to creating and keeping jobs in Central Massachusetts, has employed thousands of people from the area since 1980, and has actively hired recent graduates and engaged interns from Blackstone Valley Vocational Technical High School, Quinsigamond Community College and WPI.
The John McArthur Community Commerce Innovation Award was inspired by the work of Harvard Business School Dean Emeritus and Venly co-founder John McArthur.