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[Page S1294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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RECOGNIZING PRESTIGE AMERITECH
Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, as chairman of the Committee on
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small
business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit, which
drives our economy. This week, it is my pleasure to honor Prestige
Ameritech of North Richland Hills, TX, as the Senate Small Business of
the Week.
When Kimberly-Clark Corporation closed its medical protective gear
manufacturing facilities in the United States, Dan Reese and Mike Bowen
sought to revitalize this critical industry. Since 2006, Dan and Mike
have led Prestige Ameritech, which specializes in manufacturing high-
quality medical protective gear. During the HlNl swine flu epidemic in
2009, Prestige Ameritech worked around the clock to produce critical
protective equipment, including N95 respirators, medical face shields,
and medical goggles. As the epidemic subsided, Prestige Ameritech
struggled as its clients returned to foreign products instead of
continuing to support this vital industry. Dozens of workers were laid
off as the company fought to survive.
Now, 14 years later, Prestige Ameritech is the largest domestic
surgical mask manufacturer, employing about 100 workers. They are
certified as an FDA Registered Facility, HUBZone, and a certified
Native American Owned Business. As a leading advocate of medical supply
chain security, Prestige Ameritech supports development of the medical
industrial sector in the United States. According to the Department of
Health and Human Services, more than 90 percent of surgical masks sold
in the United States are manufactured overseas. If a public health
emergency arose, Dan and Mike have warned, disruptions in mask supply
could endanger millions of Americans.
For over a decade, since the HlNl swine flu epidemic, Prestige
Ameritech has strengthened industry partnerships and warned government
officials of the dangers of exporting our medical industrial capacity.
As part of the Secure Mask Supply Association--SMSA--Prestige Ameritech
works with domestically owned and operated surgical and respirator mask
manufacturers to raise awareness regarding the importance of prevention
and readiness by creating and maintaining an infrastructure for an
American-made mask supply. For years, Prestige Ameritech and SMSA
sounded the alarm about the vulnerability of American medical supply
chains.
In response to the growing coronavirus outbreak, Prestige Ameritech
has ramped up their daily production to 600,000 masks. Their work
provides protection for millions worldwide, from healthcare workers to
American citizens abroad. Due to increased demand, they have
prioritized supplying hospitals and medical installations with personal
protective equipment. The disruption of American medical supply chains
has catapulted Prestige Ameritech into the spotlight, highlighting the
vital importance of their work. They have been profiled in national
news outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, Wired, and
CNN. Through this surge in interest, Prestige Ameritech has remained
committed to their mission, driving home the need for a resurgence of
domestic industrial medial suppliers.
Recognizing their foresight, knowledge, and courage, I am proud to
congratulate Dan, Mike, and the entire Prestige Ameritech team for
being named as the Senate Small Business of the Week. I look forward to
watching your continued growth, advocacy, and leadership in this
critical segment of our industrial sector.
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