November 2003

COMPANY NOTES

Tennant Honored for Promoting Floor Safety
The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) recently announced that Holland, Mich.-based Tennant Co. is the first and only automated cleaning system to receive “high-traction” product certification from the Institute.

Tennant was recognized for its FaST (Foam-activated Scrubbing Technology) system, which helps reduce instances of slip-and-fall accidents by leaving floors dry and removing slippery residue, says Russ Kendzior, executive director of NFSI.

Traditionally, NFSI certifies floor coverings and chemicals. However, in June 2002, in an effort to further curb the growing number of slip-and-fall accidents, the Institute added automated cleaning systems (ACS) as its own category.

Tennant Co. introduced its FaST system to the industry last year.

ProTeam CEO Meets with SBA Chief
Larry Shideler, CEO of ProTeam, a Boise, Idaho-based manufacturer of backpack vacuums, recently met with Hector Barreto, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), to discuss fair allocation and procurement of government contracts to small businesses.

One of Barreto’s foremost goals since becoming SBA administrator in July 2001 has been to develop programs that bring government contracts to small businesses.

Shideler created Western Building Maintenance in 1967 and ProTeam in 1987. He was named SBA 2001 Idaho Small Business Person of the Year for bringing national and international business to Idaho.

Guillot’s Supply Opens New Warehouse
Guillot’s Sanitary Supply, New Orleans, a jan/san distributor of Buckeye floor chemicals, recently announced the opening of its new 30,000-square-foot warehouse.

More than 200 customers attended an open house to celebrate the new facility, and Guillot’s employees showcased dozens of cleaning solutions and product lines.

“We wanted to show off the new building,” says Allen Dauterive, operations manager for the company. “A lot of our customers didn’t really have an idea of how big we are and how we’re able to meet their needs. Now, after seeing our new facility, they know our capabilities.”

Guillot’s Sanitary Supply is locally owned by Becky Pitfield, who opened the company in 1995. Most customers who attended the open house were in-house cleaning professionals and building service contractors from Mississippi and southern Louisiana.