A Heath, Ohio-based plastics recycling company is being honored by a federal agency as part of recognition of minority-owned businesses.
The Minority Business Development Agency at the U.S. Department of Commerce annually recognizes businesses, leaders and advocates "for their leadership, commitment and excellence in advancing the interests and the economic achievements of the minority business community," the agency said.
The Minority Energy Firm of the Year award for this year is going to Polymer Technologies and Services Inc., a thermoplastics resin processor and compounder that handles both postindustrial and postconsumer materials.
"PTS works with plastic industry individuals to transform their throwaway scrap plastic into valuable raw material. PTS has a proven track record of providing long-term solutions in automotive, home care and lawn care product lines," the agency reported.
The awards, 15 in total, are given in conjunction with National Minority Enterprise Development Week.
"MBDA is delighted to celebrate such a prestigious group of innovators, advocates and business leaders for their extraordinary efforts in contributing to the economic success of the minority business community and the U.S economy. Your entrepreneurial spirit symbolizes the best of America," said MBDA Acting National Director Christopher Garcia in a statement.
Award winners, including PTS President Sharad Thakkar, were welcomed to the Oval Office by President Donald Trump. Thakkar called the visit a "great honor for all the PTS employees" in a LinkedIn post.
"Minority-owned businesses employ 8 million people and generate more than $1 trillion in annual economic output. The work you do and the products and services you bring into this world generate new prosperity across America. For that, we are in your debt," Trump said, according to the White House.
