1866: The year these companies were founded was one year past the American Civil War. There was no through railway to the Pacific Coast, no telephones, no electric lights, no typewriters, airplanes, or automobiles. But they found a way to establish businesses that have endured through world wars, economic depressions, quantum leaps in technology, globalization, and shifting social and cultural values. Join me in congratulating these Century Club Companies on their 150th anniversary.
Dyke Industries, Little Rock, Arkansas
Dyke Industries is a family-owned company that operates 13 distribution outlets, serving 18 states with a broad line of building materials, including millwork, lumber, doors, windows and related items. They serve the Southeast US as a wholesale distributor of a multitude of millwork and related products.
Garland Manufacturing Company, Saco Maine
With six generations of continuous Garland family management, Garland Manufacturing continues to make mallets and soft-faced hammers for industries worldwide and is the only producer of rawhide mallets in North America. Over the years Garland has also diversified and they offer machined parts and plastic extrusions.
General Mills, Golden Valley, Minnesota
Starting with a flour mill on the banks of the Mississippi River in 1866, Gold Medal flour is still the top selling brand of flour in the United States. Now with many brands marketed in 100 countries on six continents, General Mills employs over 42,000 people worldwide an has sales of over $17 billion.
Huntington Bancshares, Columbus, Ohio
Huntington is a full-service banking provider operating primarily within the six states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky. As with many Century Club companies, Huntington believes it is their deep relationship-building capabilities that have enabled it to not just survive, but thrive, for 150 years.
Norway Savings Bank, Norway, Maine
A smaller community bank, Norway Savings Bank has also managed to survive for 150 years. Known for their financial strength, exceptional customer service, and contribution to their communities, they are proud to say "We're from Maine and we understand the needs of Maine people and businesses."
Sherwin Williams, Cleveland, Ohio
In 1866 there was no such thing as ready-to-use paint. Henry Sherwin and Edwin Williams changed that and worked to make a product that founded an industry and subtly altered the tone of our everyday lives. Today they are a global company with 4,000 stores worldwide. They know paint.
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