Agricultural corporation "Baekje," a food enterprise based in Hongseong County, was selected for the grand prize at the "Chungnam Enterprise Awards."

On the 21st, the provincial government, in collaboration with the Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ) and the Chungcheongnam-do Federation of SMEs, held the "Enterprise Awards Ceremony and Presentation of Outstanding Business & Master Artisan Certificates" at the provincial government's main conference room.

This event is held annually to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the province and to boost the morale and pride of business owners.

Attended by around 130 people, including Governor Park Soo-hyun, provincial business leaders, and heads of related organizations and associations, the event proceeded in the order of a pre-ceremony performance, a progress report, congratulatory remarks from previous year's winners, and the awards presentation.

The Enterprise Awards select small and medium-sized manufacturing companies that have operated factories in the province for three or more years and have contributed to national economic development and regional economic revitalization through job creation and increased tax revenues.

Agricultural Corporation Baekje (CEOs Kim Chul-yu and Kim Beom-yu), which received the grand prize, is an instant food specialized enterprise established in 1979 and received high evaluations in corporate soundness, management performance, regional contribution, and technology sectors.

The category-specific grand prizes were awarded to: Management Category: Asan’s "Hanmi F3" (CEO Jang Deok-chul); Technology Category: Cheonan’s "Connected Insight" (CEO Lee Jae-jun); Long-standing Business Category: Yesan’s "Handong" (CEO Lee Won-gyu); and Startup Category: Cheonan’s "Naipy Co., Ltd." (CEO Son Hyo-jin).

Additionally, Outstanding Businessperson Awards were given to 5 individuals including Kim Tae-bok, CEO of Hongseong’s "Daecheon Matgyim Co., Ltd."; Model Worker Commendations were awarded to 10 individuals including Park Young-jae, General Manager at Cheonan’s "Hysem Technology"; the KBIZ Chairman Award was presented to 4 individuals including Won Tae-sik, CEO of Cheonan’s "Dawon CTS"; and the Chungnam SME Federation Chairman Award went to 3 individuals including Kim Hyun-woo, Managing Director at Boryung’s "Shinboryung."

To discover and nurture SMEs with strong growth potential and technological prowess, 15 companies were selected as Promising SMEs, including Cheonan’s "Rapique Co., Ltd.," and Asan’s "CF Technology" and "Hwaseong Cans."

Selected companies will receive benefits such as an additional 1.0% preferential interest rate reduction on provincial SME management stabilization funds and a 3-year exemption from local tax audits.

Two companies, "Taein Solution" and "Keumkang TMR Co., Ltd.," were selected as Employment Excellence Enterprises.

The Employment Excellence Enterprise certification has been implemented since 2020 to expand private-sector employment and foster an atmosphere for job creation.

Despite difficult economic conditions, the selected companies increased their total employment by 57 people compared to the previous year, recording an average employment growth rate of 28.95%.

The certification is valid for 2 years, and selected companies receive benefits such as 20 million won for labor environment improvements.

In addition, the provincial government awarded master artisan plaques, certificates, and prize money to two Chungcheongnam-do master artisans who contributed to regional industrial development based on their skilled expertise.

The Chungcheongnam-do Master Artisan system was introduced in 2020 to raise social awareness of regional technical professionals and strengthen industrial competitiveness.

This year's selected master artisans—Choi Jong-seok (Tous les Jours) in the confectionery and baking sector, and Na Young-jong (Hyundai Steel) in the metal materials sector—were recognized for their expertise and advanced skills.

They will be awarded technological encouragement grants of 4 million won per year for three years, totaling 12 million won.

At the event, Governor Park stated, "I express my gratitude to the business leaders who are struggling amidst difficult conditions of high oil prices, high exchange rates, and high interest rates," adding, "As the Artificial Intelligence (AI) transition is a crossroads of survival for SMEs, the province will support customized solutions for SMEs and promote the creation of a 1-trillion-won scale 'Chungnam AI Transformation Growth Fund' by 2030 to support the AI transition of core industries and the growth of small and venture businesses."

Governor Park emphasized, "The 'AI and Digital Transformation Management Stabilization Fund,' which will underpin the manufacturing industry's AI transition, will be expanded from a 10 billion won pilot project this year to 30 billion won next year," and stressed, "We will do everything in our power for the success of SMEs."

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