Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth Recognized Nationally as 2025 Winner of the "Recycling Impact Award" by the National Lieutenant Governors Association

July 21, 2025, LAKE TAHOE, NV – Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth was recognized on July 18th as the 2025 winner of the "Recycling Impact Award," presented by the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) in partnership with the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA). The award is presented annually to a lieutenant governor or second-in-command in state government who has demonstrated a commitment to resource conservation, sustainability, reuse, and recycling.

"Going to work with my father as a young boy are some of my favorite childhood memories, and I watched firsthand as he built his recycling business into a major producer of locomotives, rail cars, and railroad supplies," Lt. Governor Ainsworth said. "That unique perspective taught me the important role the recycling industry plays in our economy and job creation, and I am proud to promote programs that will allow it to grow and expand well into the future."

Lt. Governor Ainsworth has demonstrated long-standing support for the recycled materials industry throughout his public service – both during his time in the Alabama House of Representatives and in his current role as lieutenant governor. His father, Billy Ainsworth, founded Steel Processing Services Inc. in 1983, a company rooted in recycling that later became Progress Rail, a major player in rail and manufacturing. As Chairman of the Alabama Small Business Commission, he has championed pro-growth policies supporting small businesses and workforce development. Under his leadership, Alabama launched one of the nation's first workforce pathway diplomas, expanded career-tech dual enrollment, and encouraged initiatives that support both industrial expansion and redevelopment. These efforts address critical labor shortages and strengthen Alabama's economy across key sectors, including recycling.

"The recycled materials industry is an integral part of the American economy and essential to securing the supply chain," said Recycled Materials Association President Robin Wiener. "Lt. Governor Ainsworth deeply understands the importance of our industry. This understanding started when he was young, with his father who founded Steel Processing Services Inc., and continues today in his role as Chairman of the Alabama Small Business Commission, where he has promoted pro-growth policies that empower both new and established businesses. We are proud to honor his dedication to recycled materials, workforce development, and small business with the 2025 Recycling Impact award."

The award was presented to Lt. Governor Ainsworth on July 18, 2025, at the Annual Meeting of the NLGA in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.