Forum For Business October | Page 10

smal l b u s i n e s s o f t h e mon t h ALLIED SCRAP PROCESSORS, INC. ROSE MOCK, PRESIDENT 3330 E MAIN ST LAKELAND, FL 33801 Allied Scrap Processors, Incorporated started back in 1956 when Frank & Lucille Giglia, first generation immigrants to the USA, moved from Tampa to Lakeland to start their own business. With industry backgrounds in scrap processing, the couple purchased property on East Main Street that at the time was mostly orange groves. Their children, Frank Giglia and Rose Mock grew up in the business working weekends and holidays as many children do in family businesses. Rose and Frank run the company today with 21 employees, still on the original lot their parents purchased. The scrap industry has an interesting history, going back to when metals were first used by mankind. As peddlers travelled around, they would often trade in scrap. Today, many scrap processors are 2nd and 3rd generation family-owned businesses. And it's an important industry; over 150 million tons of materials that otherwise would end up in landfills is diverted and recycled thanks to scrap processors. The scrap industry also makes a substantial contribution to the balance of trade for the U.S., exporting $230 billion in product to steel mills, foundries and smelters in 55 countries. However, most of Allied Scrap's product goes via brokers to American foundries. As a longtime corporate citizen in Lakeland, Allied Scrap enjoys giving back to the community. Supporting N.A.W.BO., the PACE Center for Girls and other local service organizations, Allied Scrap is also involved with the Jason Project, educating children K through 12 about the industry and opportunities for material processing. The most impressive initiative is the company's work with local law enforcement in regards to metal theft. When theft of copper from the mines and A/C's was at its most rampant, Allied provided training to Property Recovery detectives. Together with law enforcement and legislators in Tallahassee, Allied Scrap was instrumental in rewriting of laws for metal theft and stringent requirements LINDA JEZARD, For more information on the requirements for the Small Business Award and to view previous recipients, please visit LakelandChamber.com/ BusinessResource. PRESIDENT, ROSE MOCK AND VICE PRESIDENT, FRANK GIGLIA HOLD THE SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH AWARD. 10 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S for processors. So successful was this cooperation that states elsewhere in America look to Central Florida and actions taken here as guidelines for their own legal framework. In the very large scrap processing industry, Allied Scrap has put Lakeland on the map. So, next time you buy a new fridge, thank companies like Allied Scrap Processors that the metal will be recycled and put to use again, saving you and our society a lot of money and natural resources. ADVANTAGE POSITIONING