Great Lakes Dental Technologies, an employee-owned company based in Tonawanda, New York, has earned the designation of Certified Evergreen by Tugboat Institute, following an assessment process. The Certified Evergreen status highlights companies that demonstrate long-term sustainability and a commitment to a set of guiding principles across various industries.
“We are thrilled to earn the Certified Evergreen distinction,” said John Ende, president and CEO of Great Lakes Dental Technologies. “As an employee-owned company, becoming Certified Evergreen is a natural progression for us. Great Lakes embodies principles of long-term sustainability and consistent commitment to social, ethical, and economic practices. We take immense pride in this designation by Tugboat.”
The Certified Evergreen designation is awarded to companies that align with seven core principles: purpose, perseverance, people first, private ownership, profit, paced growth, and pragmatic innovation. According to Ende, these principles have shaped the company’s approach to business. “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,” he explained.
Tugboat Institute, which granted the certification, recognizes businesses that integrate these Evergreen principles throughout their operations. “We are thrilled that Great Lakes is now Certified Evergreen,” said Dave Whorton, CEO of Tugboat Institute. “This certification represents a rigorous assessment of how companies use the Evergreen 7 Ps to guide their culture and strategy. These companies understand that by serving their employees, they, in turn, build stronger, more resilient teams who will provide long-term value to customers, suppliers, and communities.”
Founded in 1965 as an independent orthodontic lab, Great Lakes Dental Technologies has since expanded its offerings to include products, laboratory appliances, and services for the orthodontic, prosthodontic, restorative, sleep, and general dental sectors. The company also provides both in-house and online appliance fabrication training. It continues to be an innovator in the dental industry.
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