Western Extralite Company is the Newest Member of the General Services Administration's Mentor-Protege Program
Small and Large Business Partner to Serve the Federal Customer and Build Business Opportunities
KANSAS CITY, MO, January 30, 2011
Western Extralite Company announced today it has been approved as the newest participant of the General Services Administration (GSA) Mentor-Protege Program. The Mentor-Protege Agreement with Eaton Corporation is designed to encourage and motivate GSA prime contractors to assist small businesses and enhance their capability of performing successfully on GSA contracts and subcontracts.John Isenberg, Executive Vice President of Western Extralite Company said "While we have several decades of experience serving federal clients, we have never explored the Mentor-Protege program before. With this agreement, we look forward to working with Eaton Corporation to better serve the federal market and open the doors to wider business opportunities."
"Western Extralite Company has been a valued business partner with Eaton Corporation for years. We feel the Mentor Protege program is an excellent opportunity to serve the Federal Government with our combined Solutions and Services," said Rodney Melton, Federal Business Development Manager, Eaton Corporation.
"The GSA Mentor-Protege Program creates a win-win-win," said Anthony "Tony" Eiland, Program Coordinator of the Mentor-Protege Program, GSA Office of Small Business Utilization. "Protege firms have opportunities to win new contracts. The mentor is recognized as a 'corporate mentor' by the GSA procurement system and is capable of using this as a marketing tool with the Federal Government. The agency benefits by learning about new and innovative products and services."
About the GSA Mentor-Protege Program
The GSA Mentor-Protege Program is a business to business relationship between large and small contractors who both currently hold GSA Schedule contracts. The only companies that are approved as mentors are those that wish to provide developmental assistance to enhance the capabilities of proteges to perform as contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Unlike a standard subcontracting opportunity the mentor-protege relationship is long term and can include multiple solicitations.
This relationship has multiple benefits for both parties. The protege will receive developmental support to include being tutored in the complicated process of federal contracting, bid preparation and contract management. GSA mentors will be eligible for an annual non-monetary award presented to the mentor firm providing the most effective developmental support. Efforts like these are created to increase the success of all small business and to foster a strong network of businesses nationwide. http://www.gsa.gov/mentorprotege.
About Western Extralite Company
Western Extralite is a full-line, full-service distributor of electrical and voice/data products serving electrical contractors, commercial, institutional, manufacturing and federal, state and local government clients. The company has 17 locations in Missouri and Kansas. Centrally located in the United States for ease of shipping, Western Extralite stocks more than $10 million in inventory and offers on-demand access to more than 13,000 electrical and voice/data products. From their website, the company offers access to GSA Advantage and DOD EMALL. In addition, the company provides sustainable lighting solutions that can lead to substantial savings of costs and energy, as well as increased productivity. Founded in 1938, Kansas City, Missouri-based Western extralite is in its third generation of family ownership and management. http://www.westernextralitegov.com.
About Eaton Corporation
Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control, hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment, aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use, and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. http://www.Eaton.com