Bob's Blog
Passing of Steve Jobs
Today, I join millions in remembering the extraordinary life and work of Steve Jobs. His leadership and creativity fueled innovations that reshaped multiple industries. Thanks in large part to Steve Jobs’s vision, the United States technology sector is an area of promising growth that has spurred renewal in parts of Pennsylvania and other regions nationwide. As I work in the U.S. Senate to improve access to computer science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, I keep in mind the powerful impact of Steve Jobs, an inspiration who will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
New green business in Philadelphia makes the case for smart, green jobs
After graduating from the Wharton School, Gabriel Mandujano used his dual degree in business and urban studies to help Mexico with its efforts to create a sustainable transit system. While there, he discovered that laundry, with its heavy use of water, electricity, and chemical cleaners, has a significant environmental impact. He also thought it could be big business.
Using an SBA micro-loan he founded Wash Cycle Laundry, an innovative new business that provides sustainable laundry service to homes and businesses around Philadelphia. The name of the company has a dual meaning- he offers laundering service with delivery by bike. Gabriel’s fleet of bicycles, which can each pull up to 200 lbs. of laundry, pick up laundry and drive it to a laundromat that uses highly efficient machines that save energy and water and uses eco-friendly detergents that lessen the environmental impact of everyday laundry use.
Gabriel currently has 75 clients including private companies that contract their laundering to Wash Cycle Laundry and he is looking to expand in cities across the nation. Using several federal jobs programs, he has been able to hire new workers and is looking to expand over the next two years.
I commend Gabriel on his entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to the city of Philadelphia. I hope that others can be inspired by his non-traditional business approach and work to develop businesses that enhance our communities.
Green Jobs at ATAS International Inc
Today, I visited ATAS International Inc., which produces metal roofing and siding systems. Over the last 47 years, ATAS has evolved from a one-man operation in a basement to a leading national manufacturer. Second generation owners and brothers, Dick and Jim Bus continue the company’s evolution. They have made significant investment in developing technology that will save money and create jobs by decreasing the amount of electricity and gas needed to heat and cool buildings.
ATAS is a leading producer of green technologies that will help modernize our economy. ATAS’s InSpire wall panel can be added to buildings to increase their energy efficiency by trapping heat in the winter and repelling heat in the summer. They have also developed a rooftop photovoltaic system that converts sunlight directly into electricity.
After a tour of the factory, I met with about 40 employees of the company to hear their concerns about the economy. One shared my concerns about companies that receive tax breaks to move manufacturing jobs overseas. I pledged to continue fighting to level the playing field for American manufacturers. Taxpayer money should not be used to subsidize outsourcing of American jobs.
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