(Savannah, Ga) Colonial Group, Inc. has announced that Michael Cornaire has received the Savannah-based company’s third annual Robert H. Demere, Jr. Soaring Eagle Award. The award’s 2023 recipient was revealed at the annual company party held at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.
The award was named in honor of the company chairman, Robert H. Demere, Jr., who served as its president and chief executive officer from 1986 to 2021. Colonial Group has continued to operate as a privately held business since 1921 through the chairmanships of its founder, Raymond Demere; his son, Robert H. Demere, Sr.; and Robert’s son, Demere Jr. In 2018, Christian B. Demere became president of the company and then succeeded his father as CEO in December of 2020.
Demere presented the award during Colonial Group’s “Wild West” themed annual company party. The award was first developed in 2021 to commemorate the company’s centennial celebration and employees participated in the nomination and voting process.
and CEO of Colonial Group, Inc., speaks about why Cornaire was deserving of the 2023 Robert H. Demere, Jr. Soaring Eagle Award
Cornaire joined Colonial Terminals as a Utility Operator in 2008 and has been promoted several times during his 15 years with the company. He currently serves as the Director of Marine Operations for Colonial Oil Industries.
“This award recognizes Michael’s individual achievements, but it also reflects the impact he has had on the entire organization,” said Demere. “Michael’s contributions over the years have played a vital role in shaping our company culture and reinforcing the values that define us.”
H. Demere, Jr. Soaring Eagle Award: Left to right:
– Cory VanVoorhis, Retail IT Manager for Enmarket (2022 Robert H. Demere, Jr. Soaring Eagle Award recipient)
– Michael Cornaire, Director of Marine Operations for Colonial Oil Industries (2023 Robert H. Demere, Jr. Soaring Eagle Award recipient)
– Christian Demere, President and CEO of Colonial Group, Inc.
– Brian Reiser, General Foreman at Colonial Terminals (2021 Robert H. Demere, Jr. Soaring Eagle Award recipient)
Colonial’s more than 2,200 employees had the opportunity last fall to select one of their own who, throughout their career at Colonial, has exemplified service, integrity, entrepreneurship, and family. The guiding principle of this award is that “there is no limit to what a person can achieve if they don’t mind who gets the credit”.
Cornaire and future award winners will receive a $7,500 bonus and one extra week of vacation. The company plans to continue to bestow the award to one employee each year who consistently embodies Colonial Group’s core values.
ABOUT COLONIAL GROUP INC.
A fourth-generation family-owned business founded in 1921, Colonial Group Inc. (“Colonial Group”) is a diversified energy and port-related company headquartered in Savannah, Ga., and one of America’s largest privately held companies. Over the years, the business has diversified to be the umbrella company of Aqua Smart, Colonial Chemical Solutions, Colonial Energy, Colonial Oil Industries, Colonial Terminals, Colonial Towing, Colonial Transportation Solutions, Crown Carbon Reduction Technologies, and Enmarket.
CONTACT:
Tara Nobles
Marketing Manager, Colonial Group, Inc.
912-443-6670
TNobles@colonialgroupinc.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com