Four Star Freightliner presented with Innovator Award

Four Star Freightliner, Inc. was presented with an Innovator Award during the 2023 AlabamaWorks! Workforce Conference held in downtown Montgomery, Ala.

The Innovator Awards, given on Sept. 8, the last day of the 3-day conference, were created to highlight people and programs across the state that take an innovative approach to solve workforce challenges and help advance Governor Kay Ivey’s Success Plus attainment goal of adding 500,000 highly skilled workers by 2025. 

AlabamaWorks! consists of 7 regions. Four Star Freightliner falls under Region 5, headed by Central AlabamaWorks! Executive Director Gindi Prutzman. 

“Central AlabamaWorks! nominated Four Star Freightliner for their remarkable emphasis on people and relationships," said Prutzman. "The mental and physical wellness programs offered to their employees demonstrate their commitment to their workers.  Additionally, programs like the Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship program for incarcerated students through Ingram State Technical College show their desire to build our future workforce through innovative thinking.  Four Star Freightliner is building a quality community, not just a quality company.”

Jerry Kocan, the owner and dealer principal of Four Star Freightliner said his team is honored to be selected for this award.

“Our people are humbled to receive this award and we take great pride in earning it,” he said.  “Our people always look at workforce challenges from a people perspective and how we can collaborate to provide a better work environment for our team members.”

Region 5 represents a thirteen-county workforce region in Central Alabama. Its mission is to facilitate a system that provides business and industry with job seekers and students who have received the education and training that aligns with their needs throughout the region.