Great Lakes is proud to announce the completion of a meticulous assessment process to earn designation as a Certified Evergreen company, awarded by Tugboat Institute, a membership organization that brings together Evergreen companies across industry sectors to share best practices and unique insights.
“As an employee-owned company, becoming Certified Evergreen is a natural progression for Great Lakes,” said John Ende, Great Lakes’ president and CEO. “Great Lakes embodies principles of long-term sustainability and consistent commitment to social, ethical, and economic practices. We take immense pride in the designation by Tugboat.”
Evergreen companies represent a high standard of business excellence based on seven principles, including purpose, perseverance, people first, private ownership, profit, paced growth, and pragmatic innovation.
“Great Lakes’ employee-owners believe in a shared vision in which the SOP unites all of us in our planning, execution, and success. It encourages strategic long-term decision-making, which in turn leads to more job security, more engaged and committed colleagues, and continued sustainability,” said Ende.
“We are thrilled that Great Lakes is now Certified Evergreen,” said Dave Whorton, CEO of Tugboat Institute. “This certification represents a rigorous assessment of Evergreen companies and how they integrate the Evergreen 7Ps throughout their organization. These companies know that by being of service to their employees, their teams will, in turn, be of long-term service to their customers, their suppliers, and their communities, building companies that will add significant, long-term value and make a difference in the world.”
About Great Lakes
Great Lakes, an employee-owned company, provides products, laboratory appliances and services, and both in-house and online appliance fabrication training to members of the orthodontic, prosthodontic, restorative, sleep, and general dental professions worldwide.
Great Lakes has been a leading innovator in the dental industry since its start as an independent orthodontic lab in 1965. Great Lakes’ corporate headquarters is located in Tonawanda, New York.
About Tugboat Institute
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sun Valley, Idaho, Tugboat Institute provides Evergreen companies support, expertise, and guidance in building and scaling private, profitable, enduring, and market-leading businesses that make a dent in the universe. As the unrivaled resource and expert body representing the Evergreen movement, Tugboat Institute shares best practices, develops content, hosts gatherings, and creates in-person and online learning opportunities for Evergreen leaders and their teams.
