Holland business leader recipient of Lakeshore Advantage visionary award
P.J. Thompson, chief executive officer of Holland-based Trans-Matic, has been selected to receive the 2026 Lakeshore Advantage Visionary Award, an honor recognizing leaders whose impact extends beyond their corporate roles to shape the future of the Lakeshore region.
HOLLAND — P.J. Thompson, chief executive officer of Holland-based Trans-Matic, has been selected to receive the 2026 Lakeshore Advantage Visionary Award, an honor recognizing leaders whose impact extends beyond their corporate roles to shape the future of the Lakeshore region.
Thompson, whose leadership has propelled Trans-Matic into a global force in deep draw metal stamping, will be presented with the award at the Lakeshore Advantage Annual Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville.
Lakeshore Advantage, the nonprofit economic development organization for Allegan and Ottawa counties, cited Thompson's commitment to both business growth and community investment as the basis for the distinction.
“Our region’s momentum is fueled by leaders who think boldly, act generously, and invest deeply in the future of our communities,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage, in a statement. “P.J. embodies that spirit in every way. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a rare combination of entrepreneurial vision, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the people and places of the Lakeshore region.”
Thompson’s tenure at Trans-Matic, which employs over 200 people in Holland and maintains global operations in China and Mexico, has been marked by significant expansion. The company specializes in precision deep-draw metal stamping, supplying components critical to a range of industries worldwide.
Beyond the shop floor, the Thompson family has become a foundational pillar of local philanthropy. Their contributions have helped fund key community infrastructure and initiatives, including the Holland Ice Park, the Holland Civic Center, the expansion of the Holland Aquatic Center, and Lakeshore Advantage projects like the Next Center and the organization’s “Powering Our Future” growth plan.
Owens emphasized that Thompson’s leadership has done more than merely create a successful organization; it has “strengthened the foundation of our economy.”
The Visionary Award is designed to honor individuals who demonstrate bold leadership, create impact beyond their formal roles, and bring stakeholders together to achieve meaningful, long-term outcomes. Thompson joins a select group of regional luminaries who have received the recognition.
The Lakeshore Advantage Annual Meeting, presented by Pioneer Construction, is a major regional event that gathers senior-level business executives, Lakeshore Advantage investors, and crucial partner organizations to review the past year’s economic development work and milestones.
Further information and registration details for the annual meeting are available at lakeshoreadvantage.com/events.
— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
