Hodges Badge Partners with College’s CWD for Leadership Apprenticeship Program

WASHINGTON, MO (April 4, 2024) - More than 20 employees at Hodges Badge Company recently completed a Front-Line Leader apprenticeship program, equipping them with increased confidence and contributing to the development of a more skilled and forward-thinking workforce.

That’s according to Rick Hodges, President of Hodges Badge Company, who credited a partnership between East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD), Missouri Apprenticeships in Manufacturing Program (MoAMP) in collaboration with the state and his Washington-based manufacturer of custom awards.

The Front-Line Leader apprenticeship program is a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship program tailored to the employees at Hodges Badge. The ECC CWD’s role was to ensure the seamless execution of the program, providing invaluable support and guidance throughout the process.

Employees who engaged in the year-long apprenticeship have displayed notable enhancements in their abilities, leading to a workforce that is better prepared to tackle challenges and seek out process improvements, Hodges explained.

Soft skills development has been particularly remarkable. Apprentices have demonstrated a keen willingness to share ideas and knowledge for the collective benefit of their colleagues and the company.

“Employees completing the apprenticeship program are more adept at communicating effectively, including navigating difficult conversations with ease,” Hodges commented. “They are better equipped to handle tough personnel issues, leading to increased trust and respect among peers.”

As the second round of apprenticeships concludes successfully, Hodges Badge Company looks ahead to further advancements and achievements from its workforce, buoyed by the ongoing support from East Central College and the State of Missouri.

“We are thrilled with the outcomes of the apprenticeship program and the dedication shown by our employees,” added Hodges. “Their enthusiasm for continued learning and improvement bodes well for the future of Hodges Badge Company.”

For over a century, Hodges Badge has been a premier manufacturer of custom awards, including ribbons, rosettes, medals, and badges, serving customers nationwide. Learn more about the company and its commitment to employee development, visit the company’s website or contact them directly.

To learn more about registered apprenticeships through ECC’s CWD, visit the Registered Apprenticeships page or call 636-649-5800.

For more information about Hodges Badge Company and its products, visit www.hodgesbadge.com.
Media Contact: Rochelle Correia, Hodges Badge Company, Inc.

Hodges Badge Company Partners with Artisun Solar to Install Additional 300kW Rooftop Solar System at Washington, MO Facility 

WASHINGTON, MO (March 13, 2023) - Hodges Badge Company, Inc. a leading provider of custom rosettes, ribbons and awards, has announced the completion of an additional 300kW rooftop solar system at its facility in Washington, MO.The solar panels were installed in partnership with Artisun Solar, a leading solar energy company based in Kansas City, MO. The new solar system is in addition to the existing 150kW rooftop solar system already in place, bringing the total solar capacity at the facility to 450kW.

Installation of the solar system is part of Hodges Badge Company's ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and preserving the environment for future generations.

"We are excited to announce the completion of our second solar system in partnership with Artisun Solar," said Rick Hodges, CEO of Hodges Badge Company. "This project is a significant investment in our future and a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship. By generating more clean energy, we can reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources and continue to minimize our environmental impact."

Together, the solar systems are projected to generate over 600,000 kWh of clean, renewable energy annually, offsetting the carbon emissions of over 100 passenger cars and providing significant cost savings on the company's energy bills.

"We are honored to partner with Hodges Badge Company in their commitment to sustainability," said Kirk Kriesel, CEO of Artisun Solar. "We share their vision of a cleaner future and are proud to help them achieve their renewable energy goals."

Hodges Badge Company has been providing high-quality awards since 1920. The company's products are used by equestrians, dog shows, fairs, schools, sports teams, and organizations across the United States. The company is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and providing innovative, sustainable solutions to its customers.

For more information about Hodges Badge Company and its products, visit www.hodgesbadge.com.

Media Contact: Rochelle Correia, Hodges Badge Company, Inc. www.hodgesbadge.com

For EMT And Firefighter, Rescue Is His Business

WASHINGTON, MO (November 7-8, 2020) - There are many qualities needed to be a hero. Rick Hodges checks more than one of those boxes.

For 15 years, he’s worked as either an EMT or volunteer firefighter in addition to his day job, running Hodges Badge Co.

Hodges, who previously served as an EMT in Jamestown and Bristol, R.I., began volunteering at the Washington Fire Department two years ago.

“As an EMT, you’re focused on an individual patient in a medical situation, and now I’m assigned to rescue, so it’s a lot more things,” Hodges said. “I started doing it to help people. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which I’m doing because I’m still helping.”

Hodges was nominated by Mary Mays, whose husband worked with Hodges at the Augusta Fire Department. “He is admired and loved by all who happen to cross his path,” she wrote.

Hodges is also president and CEO, and the fourth generation of his family to run Hodges Badge Co., which celebrated its 100th anniversary in September. The company manufactures medals, ribbons, plaques and other awards, doing most of its business in the horse show industry.

“We just received hundreds of photos for a contest to be in our calendar,” Hodges said when asked about how rewarding that job can be. “It’s great. You go through and it’s smiling kid after smiling kid, and it’s awesome.”

However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many of the events the company would manufacture awards for were shut down.

So, the company began manufacturing protective masks instead.

“It seems somewhat obvious in retrospect,” Hodges said. “We had people that could sew, and it was good for the community.”

Once the temporary switch was made, it didn’t take long for the company’s masks to take off. Hodges estimates the company has made and sold nearly 40,000 masks.

“We started with a lot in Rhode Island and Missouri, and then we started selling them to our horse show customers, and then it was all over the place,” Hodges said. “It was a little crazy, and then it tailed off.”

Being called to two jobs so diverse in scope is something Hodges has learned to balance.

“It’s two totally different things,” he said. “Luckily, the firefighting isn’t all the time, so you can do your everyday job. You know the calls are going to come. You hope it doesn’t happen when you’re about to go into your big meeting, but sometimes it does. When that happens, the firefighting wins and I leave some disappointed people in the conference room.”

Reproduced with permission from The MissourianBy Arron HusteadThe Missourian

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (May 19, 2020) - Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is happy to announce the availability of our new Cloth Face Masks. With the new regulations announced by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, face masks are now and for the forceable future an everyday necessity. With the high demand and shortages of quality cloth face masks, Hodges Badge has reconfigured our factory and introduced a line of quality, reusable cloth face masks to meet the needs of consumers and businesses.

In April, the Hodges Badge team developed the plan and leveraged our skilled sewing operators and product designers to create several face mask designs for consumers and businesses. We have just introduced our custom face masks, which can be used by anyone who want to proudly display their logo, branding, or message on the mask.

We have produced several thousand masks to date to help alleviate shortages for consumers and businesses as states re-open for business. This initiative also has helped keep many Missouri and Rhode Island associates employed during these unprecedented times. All masks are made in the USA.

Face masks are available in stock and custom designs and can be purchased by visiting our website www.hodgesbadge.com/mask or by calling our customer service department at 800-556-2440 Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5:30pm EST.

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (October 24, 2018) - November 2nd will be a momentous day at Hodges as it will mark the completion of our move of all manufacturing operations to Washington, MO and the end of an era as we complete 98 years of manufacturing in New England. We broke ground on our 89,000 square foot state of the art facility in Washington four years ago and it has been a whirlwind getting to this point, but with the help of all our employees in Rhode Island and Missouri, I am proud to say, "We did it!"

The transition from 2 plants to 1 has been carefully orchestrated and executed. We have continued to achieve 100% on time delivery, and extremely high levels of customer satisfaction. Missouri has been filling all of our custom orders for the past 30 days without a hitch, and this will only get easier as our newest team members complete cross training on all our products.

Our Washington plant first opened in 1989 with a major expansion in 2015 and today employs more than 100 production, support and customer service staff. Locating in Missouri assures us of fast ground delivery to every part of the country.

Thank you for your continued patronage and support. It is because of customers like you that we are looking forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary as the country's leading manufacturer of quality, USA-made custom awards just 18 short months from now!

Sincerely,
Rick Hodges

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (July 18, 2018) - I am reaching out to personally inform you of some changes at Hodges Badge Company, Inc. First, let me assure you that there will be no impact on how you order or receive your medals, ribbons, trophies, awards or any other products from our company.

As a nearly 100-year-old family-run business, we will continue to manufacture our products in the United States and we are committed to continuing our family's long-standing commitment to proudly offer USA made goods.

However, we are consolidating our manufacturing facilities located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and Washington, Missouri into one physical plant. As of November 2018, we will no longer manufacture our products in our Rhode Island facility. But, our Customer Service teams in RI and MO remain unchanged so all of your contact information will remain the same. You can continue to order as you have in the past. You will not experience any delays or changes in the way you place and receive orders.

Our Missouri plant first opened in 1989 with an expansion in the fall of 2015. The Missouri facility which currently handles more than 70% of our manufacturing business and currently employs 91 production, support and customer service staff will increase its staff to ensure seamless delivery and exceptional customer service. This was a difficult business decision, but necessary to strengthen the company. The consolidation allows us the opportunity to concentrate our capital and talent in a single location.

Thank you for your continued patronage and support. It is because of customers like you that we have been the country's leading manufacturer of quality, USA-made custom awards for nearly 100 years.

Sincerely,
Rick Hodges

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (October 9, 2015) - Rick Hodges, President of Hodges Badge Company, announced the opening of their new manufacturing facility in Washington, Missouri today. The 82,000 square foot building consolidates all of the firm’s Missouri activities under one roof for the first time in many years. Hodges previously operated from two separate buildings elsewhere in Washington Missouri.

Speaking at the grand opening celebration today, CEO Rick Hodges and General Manager Jolyn Maune praised the hard work of the Hodges team and of all the contractors who worked to make this day possible. In particular, Hodges thanked Washington Engineering and Architecture for their design work, Lewis & Associates (Project Management) and Sieve Contractors (steel and metal building work). The project was financed by the Bank of Franklin County.

Members of the Hodges family traveled from all over the US to attend this event. During the ceremonies, Hodges Board Chairman Jim Hodges said, “When we first considered Washington for our second plant location, everyone in the community, from Dick Oldenburg, then the community development director, to the banks, contractors, and the entire business community welcomed us with open arms. Of course, these people would benefit from our arrival. But what it conveyed was that Washington was looking for new business and wanted to grow. And grow it has. In 1987, when we were looking for a building site it would have been easy to pick any of a hundred towns, but we wanted one that was business friendly and looking to grow because then our investments would grow with the town. They have. We believe that Washington’s growth will continue, and our investment in this new building along with it.”

Mr. Hodges stated that the company currently employs 65 people in Washington, a number that is expected to rise in the coming years. In fact, the company is looking for new employees in both Rhode Island and Missouri. This new building includes facilities for Customer Service, rosette and ribbon manufacturing, engraving, and trophy production. Medals will also be added to the lines produced in Missouri in 2016.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc. Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the country’s leading manufacturer of quality custom awards. The company manufactures custom award ribbons, custom rosettes, medals, plaques, presentation silver, crystal, badge ribbons, sashes and buttons.

Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges, Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, with manufacturing facilities in Rhode Island and Missouri. The company employs 100 people in Portsmouth, RI and 65 people in Washington, Mo. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet. Primary markets include equestrian events, dog shows, fairs/4-H, swimming, gymnastics, and schools.

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (December 29, 2014) - Rick Hodges, President of Hodges Badge Company, announced today that the company has completed its acquisition of Garden Spot Ribbon and Awards of Ephrata, PA. Jennifer Hodges, Director of Customer Service, indicated that Garden Spot’s customer information is already being incorporated into Hodges’ systems and that all their customers can expect a seamless transition to Hodges Badge Company, Inc. The acquisition of Garden Spot is very synergistic for Hodges as both companies place a similar emphasis on horse shows.

Mr. Hodges stated that this is the company’s second acquisition this year. Already the nation’s largest award ribbon manufacturer, Hodges Badge Company is expanding its manufacturing facilities to handle this additional growth. Construction of enlarged manufacturing facilities in Washington, MO is well under way, and completion of the 80,000 square foot manufacturing building is expected in July of 2015.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the country’s leading custom manufacturer of quality made ribbons, rosettes, medals, sashes and buttons. The company employs 100 people in Portsmouth and 60 people in Washington, Mo. Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges. Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, with manufacturing facilities in Rhode Island and Missouri. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet. Primary markets include equestrian events, dog shows, fairs/4-H, swimming, gymnastics, and schools.

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (September 18, 2014) - Rick Hodges, President of Hodges Badge Company, announced today that the company has completed its acquisition of Southeast Ribbon and Badge of Roxboro, North Carolina. Jennifer Hodges, Director of Customer Service, indicated that Southeast Ribbon’s customer information is already being incorporated into Hodges’ systems and that Southeast Ribbon customers should expect a seamless transition to Hodges Badge Company, Inc.

Mr. Hodges indicated that this was just one of several acquisitions currently under consideration. Already the nation’s largest award ribbon manufacturer, Hodges Badge Company is expanding its manufacturing facilities to handle this additional growth. Construction has started for a new, larger, manufacturing facility in Washington, MO, near its current manufacturing facility. Hodges indicated that ground will be broken for the new building in October, with completion scheduled for July of 2015.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the country’s leading custom manufacturer of quality made ribbons, rosettes, medals, sashes and buttons. The company employs 100 people in Portsmouth and 60 people in Washington, Mo. Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges. Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, with manufacturing facilities in Rhode Island and Missouri. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet. Primary markets include equestrian events, dog shows, fairs/4-H, swimming, gymnastics, and schools.

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (December 27, 2012) - Hodges Badge Company, Inc., the country’s largest manufacturer of award ribbons and rosettes, has announced the winner of its annual Equestrian Awards Catalog Cover Contest. Featured on the 2013 cover are 13-year-old Caroline Houston and Serendipity’s Sundance, a five-year-old Welsh cross pony mare owned by Liza Price.

Photographed by her mother, Rosemarie Houston, Caroline and her mount are shown after winning a pleasure class at a Seven J’s Farm Schooling Show in Glastonbury, Conn. They claim the Cover Contest’s first prize of $2,500.

Houston’s photo “captures the bond between horse and rider”, says company President Rick Hodges. “Our awards are more than a token—they represent a special memory like the one shown here.”

Caroline has been riding for eight years and has gained experience as a working student for trainer Alicia Bessoni at Seven J’s Farm. She rode “Stormy” to an eighth place finish at the Connecticut Horse Shows Association Finals this past August, and also competes as part of Seven J’s Interscholastic Equestrian Association team.

The winning photo was selected from over 230 entries. An additional ten photos are featured inside the catalog as Honorable Mentions.

Hodges Badge Company has chosen a Cover Contest winner each year since 1994. The company’s Equestrian Catalog features ribbons, rosettes, silver, trophies and other awards for all equine pursuits and disciplines.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the country’s leading custom manufacturer of quality made ribbons, rosettes, medals, sashes and buttons. The company employs 100 people in Portsmouth and 50 people in Washington, Mo. Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges, it is headquartered in Portsmouth, R.I. with plants in RI and MO. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet for horse show and dog show managers, educators, drug awareness programs, sports and recreation groups, fairs/4-H, and retail markets. For more information, visit www.hodgesbadge.com.

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (May 16, 2012) – Hodges Badge Company, Inc., the country’s largest manufacturer of custom ribbons and rosettes, announced today that its wind turbine has begun producing energy at their East Main Road location.

The turbine has an overall height of nearly 150 feet, including three 49-foot blades. Able to generate power at the relatively low wind speed of just nine miles per hour, the turbine is expected to supply 100 percent of the company’s power needs in Rhode Island.

The 250 kilowatt turbine is located behind the company’s headquarters and Rhode Island factory. With automated technology, the turbine is able to direct itself into the wind, and is equipped to start and stop as the wind comes and goes.

“This has been quite a project, lasting almost four years” said Company President Rick Hodges. “Without the support of all our partners, sub-contractors and the RIEDC, we could not have gotten this done. It is a great feeling watching it turn and knowing that in some small way, we are helping the environment with this renewable power system.”

The turbine project received grant funding from both the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Situated in a town already benefiting from wind energy, the turbine is the third to go into operation in Portsmouth, and the fourth on Aquidneck Island.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the country’s leading custom manufacturer of quality made ribbons, rosettes, medals, sashes and buttons. The company employs 100 people in Portsmouth and 50 people in Washington, MO. Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges, it is headquartered in Portsmouth, R.I. with plants in RI and MO. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet for horse show and dog show managers, educators, drug awareness programs, sports and recreation groups, fairs/4-H, and retail markets. For more information, visit www.hodgesbadge.com.

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (March 8, 2012) – the country’s largest manufacturer of custom ribbons and rosettes, has announced the release of a new line of full color equestrian stall plaques.

Until recently, horse show managers looking for stall plaques have often had to endure a long wait for products to be imported from Europe. Utilizing 1/8" aluminum plates with UV-cured inks, Hodges Badge Company offers the look and finish of a quality plaque with a lower cost and shorter production time.

Often used to denote a show championship or special qualification, stall plaques are a durable award suitable for display in a stable or tack room. The stall plaques are available in oval, circle, rectangle, horse shoe, tag and shield shapes.

As the leading American producer of equestrian rosettes, Hodges Badge Company introduced it's Championship Line in 2011. Joining crystal awards, silver,  trophies, pewter awards, hardwood frames and plaques , and bronze resin trophies, the stall plaque line compliments the company's wide array of quality equestrian awards.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the country’s leading custom manufacturer of quality made ribbons, rosettes, medals, sashes and buttons. The company employs 100 people in Portsmouth and 50 people in Washington, MO. Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges, it is headquartered in Portsmouth, R.I. with plants in RI and MO. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet for horse show and dog show managers, educators, drug awareness programs, sports and recreation groups, fairs/4-H, and retail markets. For more information, visit www.hodgesbadge.com.

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (December 16, 2011) – Hodges Badge Company, Inc., the country’s largest manufacturer of custom ribbons and rosettes, has announced the winner of its annual Equestrian Catalog Cover Contest. Gracing the cover of the 2012 catalog are ten-year-old Emilia “Emmy” Hilgers of Ojai, California and her Welsh pony, Sir Zachary, owned by the Riverview Pony Club.

Photographed by Mary Long, Hilgers and Sir Zachary are shown with several blue ribbons after winning classes in the Preschool jumper division at the Riverview Pony Club Show Jumping Derby in Ventura, California. They claim the Cover Contest’s first prize of $2,500.

Long’s photo stood out because it “showcases the involvement of youth and young riders in our sport” says company President Rick Hodges. “Our ribbons make memories for everyone from beginners to international competitors.”

Hilgers is a D-2 member of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. In addition to spending time in the saddle, she enjoys singing and vocal performance, recently starring as “Annie” in the Ojai Art Center’s production of the same name.

The winning photo was selected from over 250 entries. An additional ten photos are featured inside the catalog as Honorable Mentions.

Hodges Badge Company has chosen a Cover Contest winner yearly since 1994. The Equestrian Catalog features ribbons, rosettes, silver, trophies and other awards for all equine pursuits and disciplines.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the country’s leading custom manufacturer of quality made ribbons, rosettes, medals, sashes and buttons. The company employs 100 people in Portsmouth and 50 people in Washington, MO. Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges, it is headquartered in Portsmouth, R.I. with plants in RI and MO. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet for horse show and dog show managers, educators, drug awareness programs, sports and recreation groups, fairs/4-H, and retail markets. For more information, visit www.hodgesbadge.com.

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (December 5, 2011) – Hodges Badge Company, Inc., the country’s largest manufacturer of custom ribbons and rosettes, announced today that the final stage of construction has begun on the wind turbine at their East Main Road location.

The 250 kilowatt turbine is situated behind the company’s headquarters and Rhode Island factory. Construction is being managed by the John Milnes Company of Middletown. The turbine should be erected and ready for final testing by December 16th.

The turbine measures 98 feet tall and has three 49-foot blades. Able to generate power at a wind speed of just nine miles per hour, the turbine is expected to cover the electrical needs of Hodges’ entire manufacturing operation.

“We will be the first manufacturer in Rhode Island completely powered by our own renewable energy source” says company President Rick Hodges.

The turbine project received grant funding from both the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, administered by the RI Office of Energy Resources.

Following the commissioning of the turbine and acceptance by National Grid, the turbine will become the third in operation in Portsmouth, and the fourth on Aquidneck Island.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the country’s leading custom manufacturer of quality made ribbons, rosettes, medals, sashes and buttons. The company employs 100 people in Portsmouth and 50 people in Washington, MO. Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges, it is headquartered in Portsmouth, R.I. with plants in RI and MO. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet for horse show and dog show managers, educators, drug awareness programs, sports and recreation groups, fairs/4-H, and retail markets. For more information, visit www.hodgesbadge.com.

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (November 8, 2011) – Hodges Badge Company, Inc., the country’s largest manufacturer of custom ribbons and rosettes, has announced the release of a new line of full color dog tags for the swimming market. The array of stock designs represents the largest selection of dog tags for any swimming supplier.

The dog tags fill a gap in the swimming award market by providing a durable yet cost-effective incentive. Hodges Badge Company Inc.’s artists have designed dog tags for swim students of all ages, as well as divers and synchronized swimmers. Swim clubs can also create their own unique awards with customized designs.

With a starting price of just 95 cents, dog tags can also be used for fundraisers or as souvenirs for a special meet or event. The tags can also be personalized by adding an engraved gold plate to the back.

Long known for its variety and quality of ribbons, Hodges Badge Company, Inc. has expanded product offerings over the past year to include a wider selection custom trophies, medals, and plaques. Their full line of swimming awards can be found at www.hodgesbadge.com/swim.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the leading custom manufacturer of quality made ribbons, rosettes, medals, sashes and buttons in the United States. Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges, it is headquartered in Portsmouth, RI with plants in Portsmouth and Washington, MO. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet to horse show and dog show managers, education, drug awareness, sports and recreation, fairs/4-H, and retail markets. For more information, contact: Hodges Badge Company, Inc., 1170 East Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI, 02871. T: 800-556-2440. Email: info@hodgesbadge.com. Visit on-line at www.hodgesbadge.com

New Trophies include exclusive column designs

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (April 28, 2011) – Hodges Badge Company, the country’s leading manufacturer of custom ribbons and rosettes, has announced the release of a vastly expanded line of trophies.

The new trophy offerings give customers a wider selection of components and enable them to build a truly custom award. In addition to offering over 75 column designs, customers are now able to design their own columns by adapting custom artwork. They may also choose from Hodges’ exclusive full-color designs, including artwork for fairs, horse shows, dog enthusiasts and agricultural groups.

In addition to the new column options, Hodges Badge has expanded their selection of trophy tops, which now number over 100. Beyond the traditional gold figurines, customers may also choose create a one-of-a-kind trophy by printing their logo into a disc within the trophy top.

These customization options solve a problem for dog breeders, classic car collectors, and other show managers looking for atypical or hard-to-find awards. With the printable top and custom columns, each trophy becomes a unique representation of the group’s identity.

Known for 91 years as a reliable source for ribbons, the company has looked to expand their offerings of trophies in order to live up to their tagline, “Your FIRST PLACE for AWARDS^®.”

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the leading custom manufacturer of quality made ribbons, rosettes, medals, sashes and buttons in the United States. Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges, it is headquartered in Portsmouth, RI with plants in Portsmouth and Washington, MO. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet to horse show and dog show managers, education, drug awareness, sports and recreation, fairs/4-H, and retail markets. For more information, contact: Hodges Badge Company, Inc., 1170 East Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI, 02871. T: 800-556-2440. Email: info@hodgesbadge.com. Visit on-line at www.hodgesbadge.com

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (September 13, 2010) – Hodges Badge, the country’s leading manufacturer of custom ribbons and rosettes, today announced the acquisition of Melrose Ribbons of Fresno, Calif. The acquisition expands Hodges’ sales presence on the West Coast.

“We are excited to announce an agreement with Melrose Ribbons,” said Hodges Badge Company President Rick Hodges. “I am confident this move puts Hodges in a position for continued profitability.”

The use of Melrose Ribbons’ custom machinery will enable Hodges Badge to increase both capacity and automation in their labor-intensive manufacturing process.

Hodges Badge will continue to serve Melrose’s customers, offering quality products and prompt service and delivery. “We will make every effort to meet the needs of our new customers” added Hodges.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the country’s leading custom manufacturer of quality made ribbons, rosettes, medals, sashes and buttons. Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges, it is headquartered in Portsmouth, R.I. with plants in Portsmouth and Washington, Mo. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet for horse show and dog show managers, educators, drug awareness programs, sports and recreation groups, fairs/4-H, and retail markets. For more information, visit www.hodgesbadge.com

PORTSMOUTH, Rhode Island (February 8, 2010) - Hodges Badge Company President Rick Hodges has announced the installation of a wind turbine to begin in April, with completion in early June. Construction of the 149 foot turbine will enable the company’s Rhode Island factory to be powered entirely by renewable energy, making Hodges Badge the first manufacturer in Rhode Island to become 100% wind powered.

The result of three years’ work with Integrity Energy Group (Portsmouth, RI), the turbine will be installed behind the company’s factory on East Main Road. It will feature 47.5 foot blades and generate an estimated 451,000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 10,000 pounds per year.

While the group originally considered installing solar panels on the factory’s roof, harnessing the power of naturally windy Aquidneck Island provided the best option for a sustainable energy source. The turbine will be the fourth to be installed on the island and the third in Portsmouth.

To help offset initial costs, Hodges Badge applied for and received a Renewable Energy fund grant provided by the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.

“With the Department of Energy estimating a 5.3 percent annual increase in energy costs, it makes economic and environmental sense [to install the turbine]” said Hodges.

Constructed by Aeronautica Windpower at their facility in Durham, New Hampshire, the turbine enables Hodges Badge to continue its commitment to American manufacturing.

Over the past twenty years, modern wind turbines have improved in technology and become a reliable source of electricity with minimal impact on the community. With automatic shut-off at 65 miles per hour and the ability to sustain winds up to 166 miles per hour, the turbine has an estimated life of 25 years.

About Hodges Badge Company, Inc.
Hodges Badge Company, Inc. is the leading custom manufacturer of quality made ribbons, rosettes, medals, sashes and buttons in the United States. Founded in 1920 by William F. Hodges, it is headquartered in Portsmouth, RI with plants in Portsmouth and Washington, MO. The company sells its products via catalogs and the Internet to horse show and dog show managers, education, drug awareness, sports and recreation, fairs/4-H, and retail markets. For more information, contact: Hodges Badge Company, Inc., 1170 East Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI, 02871. T: 800-556-2440. Email: info@hodgesbadge.com. Visit on-line at www.hodgesbadge.com