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A South Haven manufacturer that has grown significantly – even during the COVID-19 pandemic – is among the companies, retailers and individuals honored during the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards ceremony.

US Tarp received the Chamber’s Manufacturer of the Year award during the chamber’s 90th annual dinner and awards ceremony, Oct. 27 at the Michigan Maritime Museum’s new Heritage Center.

The company was founded in 2002 in South Haven and is located at 1425 Kalamazoo St. Its staff designs, manufactures and distributes load containment and cargo protection tarping systems, controls and tarps for commercial vehicle applications. The company’s products are used throughout the United States and Canada.

“The design and engineering team has grown fourfold just since 2019 and is currently working to commercialize a patented new system in 2023,” company officials stated in a news release.

The majority of the company’s 85 employees work at the South Haven headquarters and manufacturing facility, according to company officials.

“US Tarp’s staff growth and the expansions of production and warehouse space has supported an increase of over 33 percent in sales since 2019,” company officials said.

The Chamber also recognized six other award winners during the awards dinner and ceremony. The recipients follow:

Entrepreneurs of the Year: Chris and Heather Campbell. The Campbells originally opened SoHa Surf Shop in downtown South Haven, but has expanded their entrepreneurial skills to open SoHa Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals at three locations in the South Haven area; Emma’s Boutique, a women’s apparel and accessories store, named after their daughter; The Shoe Collective; and Campbell Commercial Properties. These businesses provide 25 jobs. The couple also is involved in community activities and organizations.

Innovative Business of the Year: Moveportz, a private car and shuttle service that started several years ago, has become known in the South Haven area and neighboring communities for its services. The company has completed more than 600 trips for its customers, including trips to airports, wine and brewery tours, golf outings and wedding shuttles. Over the past several years the company has been able to add three new drivers to its staff, and…