By : R. A. Monti
Source : http://www.pittsburghlive.com
Category : Small Business Grant
In 1995, Rhett Crooks and his wife, Carol, opened Carbi-Tech Inc. in a Lower Burrell garage.
Seventeen years later, Carbi-Tech Inc. -- a tool and die company -- employs more than 20 people and is located in a large warehouse along Sherman Avenue in Vandergrift.
"Eighty-five percent of our business comes from the automotive industry," said Matt Crooks, the CEO of Carbi-Tech and son of Rhett and Carol.
The Crookses led a group of about 10 people, including Small Business Administrator Karen Mills and U.S. Rep. Mark Critz, D-Johnstown, on a tour of the factory on Monday.
Crooks said he wanted to get across the difficulties the company has in finding new employees that already have the training needed to work for the company.
"We find ourselves having to bring in young people and train them," he said. "We need to get out that manufacturing is a valid industry to be in and you can make a wonderful living doing it."
Mills, appointed by President Obama to her position in 2009, said the nation needs more companies like Carbi-Tech.
"We own the technology, and we need to own the jobs," she said. "We need to invest in our small businesses. If we're going to build a new economy, it's going to be through small businesses."
Last year the Small Business Administration helped small businesses in Pennsylvania receive 429 loans totaling $123.8 million.
After touring Carbi-Tech, Vandergrift Mayor Lou Purificato lead the group on a tour of small businesses on Grant Street.
"They know what the problems of small business are," he said. "We're a small town and we like to keep small businesses here."
Stops included Ross Pharmacy, Tees-n-Tops, Ye Olde Card Shoppe and G&G Restaurant.
Source : http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/s_786211.html
