The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) has named the winners of its Most Valuable Partner (MVP) status.

This year's recipients include five first-timers:

* All Lift Service Co of Willoughby, Ohio
* Bublitz Material Handling Inc of North Kansas City, Missouri
* Hodge Co's materials handling and forklift service of Dubuque, Iowa
* Mathand Inc of Woodstock, Georgia
* WW Cannon Inc of Dallas, Texas

Each of these companies meets criteria for excellence in industry advocacy, customer service and safety, business networking, continuing education and best practices, says Kathy Cotter, membership c-oordinator for MHEDA in Vernon Hills.

"In addition to documenting their commitment to business excellence to their valued customers, employees and suppliers, each company receiving the MVP Award has submitted letters of recommendation from a client and a supplier."

This year's 30 recipients vary in size, region, length of MHEDA membership and product mix.

MHEDA launched the MVP program in May 2011. MHEDA does not charge a fee for the process but requires an applicant provide letters of recommendation, willingness to invest in employees' training and evidence of best business practices and good supplier relationships. The program is available only to MHEDA distributor members.

MHEDA represents about 650 companies in the materials handling equipment business.