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[Page S3203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING MERCEDES SCIENTIFIC
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small
business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit at the
heart of our country. It is my privilege to recognize a woman-owned
small business that provides critical medical supplies to hospitals and
laboratories nationwide. This week, it is my pleasure to honor Mercedes
Scientific of Lakewood Ranch, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the
Week.
In 1991, Noelle Haft and Hank Traynor founded Mercedes Scientific in
New Hyde Park, NY. The two were veterans of the medical supply
industry, combining their scientific expertise and knowledge of
laboratory distribution to start their own small business. At the time,
it was known as Mercedes Medical. Drawn by the weather and welcoming
business regulations, Mercedes Medical relocated to Florida in 1993.
When Hank retired, Noelle and her husband, Rob, continued running the
company along with their daughter, Alex Miller.
Over the next few decades, Mercedes Medical remained a family-owned
company as it grew into a notable medical supplier. The company moved
into their Lakewood Ranch facility in 2018 and expanded to provide
laboratory equipment and personal protective equipment, PPE. They
rebranded as Mercedes Scientific in 2019 due to their growing focus on
serving the research, laboratory, and scientific communities.
Mercedes Scientific is active in the community. They donate medical
supplies to local organizations and businesses, as well as educational
institutions nationwide. The company supports international nonprofit
missions, such as helping medical facilities recover from natural
disasters. Closer to home, Mercedes Scientific is a team build partner
with Habitat for Humanity in Sarasota, FL. They also work with the
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance to promote local economic development.
Like many small businesses in Florida, Mercedes Scientific
experienced supply chain disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As a medical supply company, they play a critical role in securing
laboratory supplies, PPE, and COVID-19 test kits. Mercedes Scientific
works tirelessly with laboratories and hospitals in Florida and
throughout the Nation to ensure they receive the resources needed to
combat the pandemic.
When the U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Paycheck
Protection Program, PPP, Mercedes Scientific applied for funding. The
PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small businesses and
nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thanks to a PPP loan, Mercedes Scientific was able to keep their 67
employees paid and remain focused on its mission sourcing medical
supplies.
Mercedes Scientific is a notable example of the key role small
businesses play in America's medical supply chains. I commend their
continued work to provide essential hospital and laboratory supplies as
the United States confronts the coronavirus pandemic. Congratulations
to Noelle, Rob, Alex, and the whole team. I look forward to your
continued success, growth, and success in the Lakewood Ranch
area.
____________________
