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[Page S4130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING AMWAT MOVING WAREHOUSING STORAGE
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. Today, it is my distinct honor to
recognize a family-owned business that not only provides excellent
moving, warehousing, and storage services but also prioritizes
dignified work for its employees. This week, it is my pleasure to honor
AMWAT Moving Warehousing Storage of Tallahassee, FL, as the Senate
Small Business of the Week.
AMWAT was founded in 1997 by college sweethearts Dean and Gloria Pugh
in Tallahassee, FL. After helping several friends move residences, the
couple realized they had the potential to start their own business.
Initially named ``A Man With A Truck,'' the business started as a one-
man operation consisting of a pick-up truck and trailer operating out
of Dean's spare bedroom. Soon after, A Man With a Truck moved into a
small warehouse, hired six employees and acquired three moving trucks.
In 2008, Dean and Gloria acquired the largest, oldest moving company
in the Tallahassee area and rebranded as AMWAT Moving Warehousing
Storage. AMWAT has grown to include 26 employees and a 13-truck fleet.
They provide long-term storage, handle shipping for local businesses,
and provide shipping services nationwide. Gloria serves as president
and chief executive officer and Dean is the chief operating officer.
AMWAT's high-quality work has earned awards from business groups,
including the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, the Tally
Awards, Angie's List, and Wheaton World Wide Moving. Dean and Gloria
are also active in the American Moving and Storage Association and the
Professional Movers Association of Florida.
From the beginning, Dean and Gloria have understood that providing
dignified work is crucial to personal and community development.
Through training, mentorship, and teamwork, they encourage their
employees to feel a sense of ownership in the company and take pride in
their work. At AMWAT, the employees are the most valued asset.
Locally, AMWAT is committed to addressing poverty, upward mobility,
education, and the arts. Their signature charity event is the annual
Summer Fill-a-Truck Food and Fund Drive, which benefits the Second
Harvest of the Big Bend. They have also partnered with ECHO, Junior
League of Tallahassee, and LeMoyne Arts.
Like many other small businesses, AMWAT experienced a sharp decline
in revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. When the U.S. Small
Business Administration launched the Paycheck Protection Program, PPP,
Gloria and Dean quickly applied. The PPP provides forgivable loans to
impacted small businesses and nonprofits who maintain their payroll
during the COVID-19 pandemic. When their funding was approved, Gloria
and Dean used it to keep their 26 employees paid and adapt their
business procedures to meet public safety standards. For Gloria and
Dean, the PPP was a ``blessing'' and a ``godsend,'' providing the
security needed to continue serving their customers, employees, and
community.
AMWAT Moving Warehousing Storage is an outstanding example of the
important role small businesses play in creating dignified work in
their communities. I commend AMWAT for providing excellent moving,
storage, and logistical services and uplifting their employees.
Congratulations to Dean, Gloria, and the entire team at AMWAT. I look
forward to watching your continued growth and success.
____________________
