The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Region IV Administrator, Allen Thomas, in his commitment to support small businesses manufacturing goods and products “Made in America”, recently surveyed the 9 SBA districts in the Southeast United States to determine and recognize firms creating impact through manufacturing efforts in their local communities.

“Manufacturing businesses create great jobs for skilled laborers in communities across America and they should be recognized for their efforts. Many of these firms also export their goods and products to a global market,” stated Thomas. “The Biden-Harris Administration has placed emphasis on building back the economy through many initiatives including strong support for American manufacturing. I am pleased to recognize the following small businesses for their outstanding ongoing contribution to their community through job creation and other economic impacts.”

As Region IV Administrator, Allen Thomas oversees SBA programs, offices, and operations in the SBA’s Southeast region, serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Thomas is a former three-term mayor, businessman, entrepreneur, and leader in public and private enterprise. As mayor of Greenville, one of North Carolina’s largest cities, Thomas led the post-recession recovery, rapid expansion, and robust economic growth, better connecting the city and region. He was recognized by the White House during the Obama-Biden Administration for community engagement in law enforcement and public safety.

A serial entrepreneur, Mr. Thomas co-founded healthcare technology startup IQMax, which grew to service 160 medical facilities in 36 states, processing 18 million patient records per day. Mr. Thomas was appointed Executive Director of North Carolina Global TransPark by the Governor of North Carolina Roy Cooper, to revitalize the state’s global multimodal transportation and logistics hub, spearheading growth in advanced manufacturing jobs, innovation, and investment.

The following businesses will be formally recognized by Regional Administrator Thomas on July 7, 2022 via a virtual call with the agency.

Alabama

Zone Protects (Decatur, Alabama)

Brian Baer, Owner/CEO

Manufactures DEET-free insect repellents, animal repellents, and car detailing chemicals.

Florida

Rafferty Machine & Tool (Gainesville, Florida)

Conway Tomlinson, President

Manufactures general machining for local businesses to fulfilling medical, government, and military projects worldwide.

*8(a) Certified Small Business

North Carolina

French Broad Chocolate Factory & Café (Asheville, North Carolina)

Dan and Jael Rattigan, Owners

Manufactures ethically sourced (from South America) chocolate confections.

Mississippi

Multicraft International (Pelahatchie, Mississippi)

Andrew Mallinson, CEO

Manufactures motor vehicle electrical and electronic equipment.

South Carolina

Oliver Pluff & Company (Charleston, South Carolina)

Daren Hartford, Owner

Manufactures blended teas, coffees, and other products.

This recognition by the Regional Administrator Thomas is part of the charge under President Biden’s Build America, Buy America initiative – to buy American products –and raise the domestic content threshold. This initiative in conjunction with the recently signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act will provide unprecedented once-a-generation level of investment in United States infrastructure and global competitiveness.

Zone Protects, located in Decatur, AL, gracefully accepted their recognition as CEO and Owner Brian Baer shared with the Huntsville Business Journal, “We are honored. Last year, we were invited to Montgomery for Governor Kay Ivey’s “Made in Alabama” Showcase, so the “Made in America” initiative is very special to us.

When discussing the spark and growth of his entrepreneurial endeavors, Baer went in-depth with bit of the company’s history, explaining, “I have been working with repellents for many years, which is a much longer story, but in 2017 I was led to create the world’s best insect repellent to help children all over the world afflicted by mosquito transmitted diseases. After extensive research, I found picaridin as my active ingredient and developed the best repellent. With derivation from the black pepper plant, picaridin is a synthetic chemical registered with the EPA. It is safe, non-oily, non-greasy, no-odor, non-staining and effective for 12-hrs against mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, gnats and no-seeums. When I incorporated vanillin in my formula, we had a lightly scented, safe, and highly effective product that is, of course, DEET-free. Today, we offer an entire line of scented and unscented products in various sizes.”

“In addition, we developed all-natural animal repellents such as digging dog prevention, snake, deer, armadillo, mole/gopher, and rabbit repellents that have done very well. Last year, we developed a naturally based insecticide using permethrin and have an exclusive license with Realtree. All with the mission to help and protect people and their pets and yards,” Baer continued.

“Beginning with distribution to independent retailers, we have placed products in various markets such as lawn & garden, sports/outdoors, hardware, pharmacy, and grocery. During the 2020 pandemic, we pivoted to create lifesaving, FDA approved hand sanitizer and disinfectants. Most recently, we were awarded four purchase commitments for nine products from Walmart and Sam’s Club.”

When asked what advice he might offer to other small businesses looking to push the “Made in America” mission and accomplish the same goal, Baer humbly concluded, “As a faith-based company in very competitive markets, doing our own manufacturing for products that help and protect people, the challenges have been immense. Without sounding like a cliche’, the advice I would have, is to hold onto your faith in God, never give up and always prepare your fields for harvest. This means that there will be very difficult times, but you always have to look ahead and prepare for innovation, scale-up and world-class quality delivery.”

The SBA seeks to maximize opportunities for small businesses and disadvantaged firms. There are a host of resources and free website information to help contractors complete the registration process and navigate the federal marketplace.

Businesses interested in learning about opportunities to sell the federal government should www.sba.gov/federal-contracting to get started. To learn about the PTAC local resources, and get ready for contracting opportunities visit the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers website at www.aptac-us.org.