Progressive Industries & Airgas – supplier diversity sales soar in 2009/10

Feb. 26, 2010 - PRLog -- Airgas and Progressive Industries, Inc have gained strong momentum in a partnership that was conceived over 15 years ago.  The genesis of this relationship is – partnering to gain business that is set aside for WBE/DBE and HUBZONE businesses.  This relationship has grown over the years - with the creative blend of Airgas products, resources and strategic know how, along with Progressive Industries Inc. supplier diversity knowledge, contract facilitation and compliance.  Both corporations work in tandem, as a team, to capture Federal and private contracts with WBE or HUBzone classifications along with regional municipalities, States bids,  corporate businesses and GPO’ & IDN’s that have supplier diversity initiatives.

Progressive Industries was founded in 1985 as a certified WBE/DBE/HUBZone business, and has grown to be a leader in distribution of industrial, MRO and medical supplies & equipment, nationally.  PII is certified in medical gases, industrial gases, welding, safety, lab, medical and commercial construction equipment & supplies and more.

Focus being explored in 2010 are energy, construction, gaming, private sector  business growth nationally.

"The inspiration for Progressive's business model evolved from a need that client's had, to improve and expand their diversity vendor resources", recalls O'Donnell, CEO.  "This was the genesis of my idea to create a streamlined process to meet clients' needs."  She brought her idea to create a National Strategic Partnership with Airgas to the supportive leadership of their National and Regional Teams.

Through the strong Airgas/Progressive alliance, PII has been able to grow the business exponentially and now gives back to the HUBZONE community where the corporate office is located.   This facility opens doors for contract opportunities in the medical and industrial sectors, and will enhance business growth, and create jobs locally.  Much of the success is through the strong vendor relationships.   "We are proud to be a HUBZone Distributor partner with Airgas” exclaims O'Donnell.

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National distributor of MRO supplies, gases, welding supplies, safety, medical/first aid, auto, fleet supplies, truck supplies, lab/research supplies, tools, hardware, construction equipment & more
Certified WBE, DBE, Hubzone 1st, 2nd, 3rd tier