[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 14, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S3026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING BEST BATH SYSTEMS

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, too often we think of business 
owners as only being concerned with profit. However, countless 
enterprises have been started based on an idea or a goal to solve a 
problem or to improve peoples' lives, and often times this is inspired 
by a need of someone close. It is a privilege to recognize such a 
company, Idaho's own Best Bath Systems, Inc.
  Gary Multanen founded Best Bath Systems in 1971 with the goal of 
designing and producing baths and showers to help those with special 
needs. Mr. Multanen was especially motivated to find a solution to his 
mother's difficulty in using conventional tubs. Over the years, Best 
Bath Systems has created improvements for nearly every conceivable part 
of a shower or tub, and has been a leader for walk-in tub design.
  It is one thing to tout Mr. Multanen as being an innovator, but the 
real proof is in the demand from bath product sellers across the 
country. With $20 million in sales last year to a network of 490 
dealers across North America, Best Bath Systems has clearly earned a 
reputation for quality. In addition to making bath products that help 
people meet their basic needs, Best Bath Systems also does well by 
their employees, providing a profit-sharing program.
  The Small Business Administration recognized Best Bath Systems' 
impressive track record and named Mr. Multanen and his family the 2014 
Idaho Small Business Person of the Year and is sharing their 
accomplishments at the National Small Business Week events being held 
this week in Washington. This award celebrates their continued sales 
growth, superior customer service, and commitment to their community.
  Best Bath Systems has been an active fixture in the Caldwell and 
Boise communities for a long time with Mr. Multanen serving on the 
boards of Boise City Parks & Recreation and the Treasure Valley Air 
Quality Council. In addition, since 2000, Best Bath Systems has a built 
robust relationship with the Idaho Small Business Development Center, 
SBDC, where Mr. Multanen currently serves as the chairman of the 
advisory council and uses his business' success story with the SBDC to 
motivate other Idaho entrepreneurs. Concern for the environment is also 
part of Best Bath Systems' community commitment. Best Bath Systems' 
106,000 square foot facility in Caldwell, ID uses just 28 percent of 
their Federal emissions allowance, and they have promoted similar 
standards for the industry through their trade association, which Mr. 
Multanen co-founded.
  I wish to congratulate Mr. Multanen on being named the 2014 Idaho 
Small Business Person of the Year and everyone at Best Bath Systems for 
their 43 years of sales, innovation, and bettering the quality of life 
for many.

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