[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 116 (Wednesday, June 24, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S3203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING MERCEDES SCIENTIFIC

 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. It is my privilege to recognize a woman-owned 
small business that provides critical medical supplies to hospitals and 
laboratories nationwide. This week, it is my pleasure to honor Mercedes 
Scientific of Lakewood Ranch, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.
  In 1991, Noelle Haft and Hank Traynor founded Mercedes Scientific in 
New Hyde Park, NY. The two were veterans of the medical supply 
industry, combining their scientific expertise and knowledge of 
laboratory distribution to start their own small business. At the time, 
it was known as Mercedes Medical. Drawn by the weather and welcoming 
business regulations, Mercedes Medical relocated to Florida in 1993. 
When Hank retired, Noelle and her husband, Rob, continued running the 
company along with their daughter, Alex Miller.
  Over the next few decades, Mercedes Medical remained a family-owned 
company as it grew into a notable medical supplier. The company moved 
into their Lakewood Ranch facility in 2018 and expanded to provide 
laboratory equipment and personal protective equipment, PPE. They 
rebranded as Mercedes Scientific in 2019 due to their growing focus on 
serving the research, laboratory, and scientific communities.
  Mercedes Scientific is active in the community. They donate medical 
supplies to local organizations and businesses, as well as educational 
institutions nationwide. The company supports international nonprofit 
missions, such as helping medical facilities recover from natural 
disasters. Closer to home, Mercedes Scientific is a team build partner 
with Habitat for Humanity in Sarasota, FL. They also work with the 
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance to promote local economic development.
  Like many small businesses in Florida, Mercedes Scientific 
experienced supply chain disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic. 
As a medical supply company, they play a critical role in securing 
laboratory supplies, PPE, and COVID-19 test kits. Mercedes Scientific 
works tirelessly with laboratories and hospitals in Florida and 
throughout the Nation to ensure they receive the resources needed to 
combat the pandemic.
  When the U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Paycheck 
Protection Program, PPP, Mercedes Scientific applied for funding. The 
PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small businesses and 
nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Thanks to a PPP loan, Mercedes Scientific was able to keep their 67 
employees paid and remain focused on its mission sourcing medical 
supplies.
  Mercedes Scientific is a notable example of the key role small 
businesses play in America's medical supply chains. I commend their 
continued work to provide essential hospital and laboratory supplies as 
the United States confronts the coronavirus pandemic. Congratulations 
to Noelle, Rob, Alex, and the whole team. I look forward to your 
continued success, growth, and success in the Lakewood Ranch 
area.

                          ____________________