Manufacturing Solutions Inc’s founder named Business Leader of the Year by Lamoille Chamber
Related Company: Manufacturing Solutions Inc.
The Lamoille Valley Chamber of Commerce named Garret Hirchak of Manufacturing Solutions Inc “Community Business Leader of the Year” – an honor recognizing business persons who are active in their communities, demonstrate dedication to employees and co workers and are leaders in their fields.
“Garret works tirelessly to educate himself and his staff about business issues and has a plan for continuous staff improvement and products for his clients,” noted Bill Bourne of the Lamoille Valley Chamber when awarding the honor to Hirchak at the Chamber’s annual meeting last week. “It takes discipline and creativity to grow a business in these times. Garret is truly dedicated to the Lamoille community and supports many local causes.” MSI offers businesses a wide range of manufacturing services from receiving and storage right through production, packaging and fulfillment. Nearly fifteen years ago, Garret Hirchak, MSI founder and CEO, went to his bosses at Concept 2 and told them he had a business idea that he believed could reduce their overhead and deliver high quality service in the production of the company’s world-class rowing machines.
Today, Concept 2 remains one of MSI’s biggest customers but the company also names Blodgett Ovens and Knee Binding among its customers. “Because we can move our workforce between various client projects, MSI absorbs a client’s labor costs as they relate to the ebbs and flows of the production cycle,” explains Hirchak. This award comes just as MSI expands into larger facilities with over 92,000 square feet in Morrisville to accommodate the business growth that has occurred in the last year and with room to grow further with anticipated new business. Hirchak expressed appreciation for the honor by the Chamber but was quick to credit his employees and clients for working together toward the vision of keeping jobs and superior manufacturing right here in Vermont.
Manufacturing Solutions Inc. is located in Morrisville, Vermont. www.msivt.com.
Source: (March 4, 2010) The Lamoille Valley Chamber of Commerce
http://www.vermontbiz.com/node/14626
MSI's Koier named 2009 Workforce Development Leader of the Year
Taking the Plunge
ELMORE – For two years running the Morrisville Rotary has held a Polar Plunge fundraiser literally in Lake Elmore. And, it seems, for two years running they managed to pick the coldest day of the year for the event. It was a not-so-balmy four degrees Fahrenheit out, and that’s without taking the wind chill into consideration. That’s even five degrees colder than last year’s seemingly arctic event. Nevertheless, an estimated 77 people chose to take the leap into the icy waters – all for a couple of good causes. Rotary Club organizer Tim Sargent put it simply, saying, “It was really cold.” He noted the ice was only about a foot thick, whereas this time last year they cut through 28” of ice to get to the water.
While the Rotary Club puts on the event, much of the proceeds go to a local charity. Last year the United Way of Lamoille County reaped the rewards. This year’s event benefited the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. With money still coming in this week, Sargent said about $12,500 had been raised so far. Habitat for Humanity will get half the gross profits, and the Rotary will keep what’s left of the other half after paying off expenses from the event. Awards of specially embroidered Vermont Fleece Company blankets were appropriately given out (and gratefully received) in several categories. Bud Smith, of Elmore, got one as the top individual fundraiser. The Chittenden Bank team won blankets for the best team costume. They donned dollar bills and t-shirts that proclaimed, “We’re freezing our assets off.”
Pirates from MSI (Manufacturing Solutions Inc.) turned in the most booty, raising about $2,000, according to Sargent. “I was shocked by how much money was raised by the event… I can’t thank those who participated enough,” said Sargent. “It just goes to show that when a good cause is promoted in conjunction with a zany event – such as a winter polar plunge – it is usually a good recipe for successful fundraising.” He noted a pre-event party Friday night at River Arts was well attended, and Allen Church entertained inside the Elmore Town Hall on the day of the plunge.
“Everyone was in good spirits,” said Sargent.
Although they have yet to name the next beneficiary, Sargent commented, “We’ll definitely do it again next year.” Mark your calendars for the weekend before the Super Bowl.