The People Behind the Product: Celebrating Employee Milestones at Georgia Expo

As Georgia Expo celebrates 40 years in business, one thing has remained constant throughout our growth: our people are the foundation of everything we do. Each year, we take time to recognize team members who have reached meaningful career milestones with us, and this year’s awards—presented during our annual Christmas party—were a powerful reminder of the experience and dedication behind our products.

Today, over half of our employees have been with Georgia Expo for more than five years, and nearly a third have built careers here spanning a decade or longer. That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident—it reflects a culture built on respect, opportunity, and pride in craftsmanship.

Honoring 10-Year Milestones

Reaching 10 years with a company is a significant achievement. These team members represent the consistency, skill, and attention to detail that define our Sewing Department and daily operations:

• Minerva Dominguez, Fabric Cutter – Sewing Dept.
• Eglee Duran, Sewing Machine Operator – Sewing Dept.
• Eduardo Villafranco, Sewing Department Supervisor – Sewing Dept.
• Ruth Alvarez, Packer – Sewing Dept.
• Patricia Mendez, Sewing Machine Operator – Sewing Dept.

 

Their work plays a critical role in ensuring our drape is cut, sewn, and shipped to meet the high standards our customers rely on.

Celebrating 15 Years of Dedication

Employees who reach 15 years with Georgia Expo bring a deep understanding of our processes and the flexibility to support multiple departments as needed:

• Camilo Carrillo, Material Handler – Sewing Dept.
• Manuel Ingles, Floater – Welding Dept.
• Lisa Chen, Sewing Machine Operator – Sewing Dept.
• Sylvia Lee, Sewing Machine Operator – Sewing Dept.

Their experience helps keep production moving efficiently and smoothly across the floor.

Recognizing 20-Year Milestones

Two decades of service represents an incredible level of commitment. This year, we proudly recognized:

• Daniel Apaez, Press Operator – Booth Dept.
• Cornelio Velasquez, Press Operator – Booth Dept.

Their knowledge and precision help ensure the consistency and durability of the products we manufacture every day.

A 25-Year Milestone Worth Celebrating

This year, we also celebrated a standout milestone:

• Zia Ansari, VP of Finance and Operations – Executive Team

With 25 years at Georgia Expo, Zia has played a key role in guiding the company’s growth. From maintaining strong vendor relationships and keeping pricing competitive to ensuring the company remains in a solid financial position, his leadership supports both our internal teams and the customers we serve.

Many of our employees have been with Georgia Expo for 10, 15, 20, and even 25+ years, and that longevity is something we’re incredibly proud of. It shows up in the quality of our products, the efficiency of our operations, and the level of service our customers experience every day.

As we look ahead, honoring these milestones reinforces what matters most: while products and processes evolve, it’s the people behind the scenes who make it all possible.