Marshall manufacturer Republic Elite honored for PACE-backed efficiency upgrades

County officials on a June meeting in Marshall recognized Republic Elite after the company’s local manufacturing project won the PACE Nation “Pacesetter Award” for innovative deal of the year.

Doug Taylor, chief operating officer for Texas PACE Authority, told the court Harrison County established a PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing program last year to provide long‑term financing for energy and water improvements to commercial and manufacturing properties. He said Republic Elite used the county program for upgrades that were later honored at PACE Nation’s annual conference in New York.

"This project received what's called the Pacesetter Award, for innovative deal of the year," Taylor said, noting the recognition reflects both the company and the county’s decision to enable the program.

Steve Garwood, chief operating officer of Republic Elite, accepted the award on behalf of his team and described operational results from the facility upgrades. "The results were dramatic improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost," Garwood said, adding that safety incidents decreased by about two‑thirds and production capacity rose substantially. He said the company also reduced energy consumption per cabinet.

County officials thanked the PACE administrators and local economic‑development staff for their roles in enabling the financing and the grant that helped the project. The presentation concluded with a brief photo opportunity and a call for other local manufacturers to consider similar upgrades.

No formal action was required; the recognition was presented as an announcement during the court’s meeting.