[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 3, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S1294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                     RECOGNIZING PRESTIGE AMERITECH

 Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, as chairman of the Committee on 
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small 
business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit, which 
drives our economy. This week, it is my pleasure to honor Prestige 
Ameritech of North Richland Hills, TX, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  When Kimberly-Clark Corporation closed its medical protective gear 
manufacturing facilities in the United States, Dan Reese and Mike Bowen 
sought to revitalize this critical industry. Since 2006, Dan and Mike 
have led Prestige Ameritech, which specializes in manufacturing high-
quality medical protective gear. During the HlNl swine flu epidemic in 
2009, Prestige Ameritech worked around the clock to produce critical 
protective equipment, including N95 respirators, medical face shields, 
and medical goggles. As the epidemic subsided, Prestige Ameritech 
struggled as its clients returned to foreign products instead of 
continuing to support this vital industry. Dozens of workers were laid 
off as the company fought to survive.
  Now, 14 years later, Prestige Ameritech is the largest domestic 
surgical mask manufacturer, employing about 100 workers. They are 
certified as an FDA Registered Facility, HUBZone, and a certified 
Native American Owned Business. As a leading advocate of medical supply 
chain security, Prestige Ameritech supports development of the medical 
industrial sector in the United States. According to the Department of 
Health and Human Services, more than 90 percent of surgical masks sold 
in the United States are manufactured overseas. If a public health 
emergency arose, Dan and Mike have warned, disruptions in mask supply 
could endanger millions of Americans.
  For over a decade, since the HlNl swine flu epidemic, Prestige 
Ameritech has strengthened industry partnerships and warned government 
officials of the dangers of exporting our medical industrial capacity. 
As part of the Secure Mask Supply Association--SMSA--Prestige Ameritech 
works with domestically owned and operated surgical and respirator mask 
manufacturers to raise awareness regarding the importance of prevention 
and readiness by creating and maintaining an infrastructure for an 
American-made mask supply. For years, Prestige Ameritech and SMSA 
sounded the alarm about the vulnerability of American medical supply 
chains.
  In response to the growing coronavirus outbreak, Prestige Ameritech 
has ramped up their daily production to 600,000 masks. Their work 
provides protection for millions worldwide, from healthcare workers to 
American citizens abroad. Due to increased demand, they have 
prioritized supplying hospitals and medical installations with personal 
protective equipment. The disruption of American medical supply chains 
has catapulted Prestige Ameritech into the spotlight, highlighting the 
vital importance of their work. They have been profiled in national 
news outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, Wired, and 
CNN. Through this surge in interest, Prestige Ameritech has remained 
committed to their mission, driving home the need for a resurgence of 
domestic industrial medial suppliers.
  Recognizing their foresight, knowledge, and courage, I am proud to 
congratulate Dan, Mike, and the entire Prestige Ameritech team for 
being named as the Senate Small Business of the Week. I look forward to 
watching your continued growth, advocacy, and leadership in this 
critical segment of our industrial sector.

                          ____________________