Paris Cos., Stern Make Area ‘Smart 50’ List

Paris Cos., DuBois, PA, and its CEO David Stern recently were recognized for the second straight year as part of the Pittsburgh area’s “Smart 50” group of leading companies and executives.

The selection was announced by Smart Business Magazine, a consortium of 17 regional business management journals – in conjunction with Chase, a leading U.S. consumer and commercial bank. The Smart 50 Award recognizes those companies and executives that stand out in leadership, innovation, sustainability and impact on the region, according to a news release.

Twenty-fifteen has been a year of innovation for Paris, the release said. Alternative fuels and other transportation initiatives will save the company over 200,000 gallons of fuel per year, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,000 tons per year. Paris Cos. also was recognized earlier this year with TRSA’s Clean Green Sustainability Award for its “super trailer” truck that features a  “cubed out” cargo area that allows the company to carry additional laundry carts. The trailer modifications produced a 67% increase in cargo capacity for Paris’ fleet vehicles.

Other innovations during 2015 included Paris Cos.’ addition of radio frequency identification (RFID) chips to its uniform rental garments. This implementation of unique identification technology for garments enhanced accountability, while improving customer service, the release said.

In reflecting on these and other accomplishments, Stern credited a team focus on technology. “Innovation is one of the key attributes of leadership in our industry,” he said. “The Paris team is expert at incorporating new technologies and adding value for our linen service and uniform rental customers.”