[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 18, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   RECOGNIZING BOYD INDUSTRIES, INC.

 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 veteran-owned 
small business known for excellence and outstanding craftsmanship. This 
week, it is my pleasure to recognize Boyd Industries, Inc., of 
Clearwater, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  In 2012, Adrian LaTrace purchased Boyd Industries, a dental and 
medical equipment manufacturing company that was established in 1957 as 
a custom residential furniture manufacturer. Founder William Boyd 
pioneered the lounge-style dentistry chair, now a standard feature in 
dental offices nationwide. As ``sit-down'' dentistry became more 
common, Boyd Industries reinvented itself as a cabinet, medical chair, 
and exam equipment manufacturer.
  More than 60 years later, owner and CEO Adrian LaTrace has continued 
Boyd Industries' tradition of innovation and growth. A native of the 
Fort Walton Beach-Destin area, Adrian graduated from The Citadel before 
serving 8 years in the U.S. Air Force. Under his leadership, Boyd has 
remained committed to its core values of integrity, respect, 
innovation, loyalty, and dependability. Veterans are the heart of Boyd 
Industries' workforce, with servicemembers from four branches of the 
military currently represented at the company.
  Attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship have earned Boyd 
Industries a reputation for excellence. They are widely regarded as the 
top oral and implant surgery equipment provider in the nation. Notably, 
Boyd Industries manufactures the majority of its product components at 
its Clearwater facility. Additional components are sourced from U.S.-
based companies, and Boyd assembles all products in-house.
  Under Adrian's leadership, Boyd Industries has earned industry awards 
and invested in its community. High-quality products have earned Boyd 
Industries the Townie Choice Award for 8 consecutive years. Laird 
Plastics recognized Boyd Industries with the Environmental Excellence 
Award from 2015-2018, citing its increased recycling and 
sustainability. Collaborating with the American Association of Oral and 
Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Association of Orthodontists, 
Boyd Industries has contributed to developing orthodontist training and 
best practices, and furnished dental residency training facilities. 
Additionally, Boyd Industries regularly donates surplus cabinetry to 
Habitat for Humanity and has supported the Clearwater Free Clinic for 
decades.
  As an essential business, Boyd Industries managed to stay open, keep 
their employees safe, and adapt to the challenges caused by the 
coronavirus pandemic. In April 2020, the SBA launched the Paycheck 
Protection Program, a small business relief program I was proud to 
author. The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small businesses 
and nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the coronavirus 
pandemic. Despite experiencing a drop in revenue, a PPP loan enabled 
Boyd Industries to retain 77 jobs.
  Boyd Industries exemplifies the critical importance of small 
businesses in the medical manufacturing industrial base. Their 
outstanding craftsmanship and continual innovation are commendable. 
Congratulations to Adrian and the entire team at Boyd Industries, Inc. 
I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.

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