Marina Chaves, an inside sales specialist, talks about her fascinating journey from Brazil to Fromm in Reading, Pa. She was interviewed by Dirk Beveridge, founder of UnleashWD distribution consulting firm, during his "We Supply America" cross-country tour.

As energy costs increase across the globe, local energy providers are raising their rates for electricity. Installing long-lasting, energy-efficient, LED lighting at your facility is a great way to conserve energy and save money. Fromm provides efficient products and services like an energy-efficiency audit, investment payback analysis, and utility rebates. Think of us as your energy-efficiency one-stop-shop.

The positive impact good lighting can have on a facility's environment and people's moods cannot be overstated. In fact, a recent article published inLightED Magazine stresses just how important optimal lighting levels can be in the healthcare industry. The article refers to a U.K. study which claims patients who were in newly-refurbished hospital facilities were released on average a day-and-a-half earlier than those who were in older, poorly-lit buildings.

As 2021 comes to a close, it is safe to say that supply chain issues have become an industry-wide crisis. Moving on to a new year, it is more important than ever to have a long-term inventory plan and a partner that can help you realize your goals. Our promise to you in 2022 and beyond is to continue building on-hand inventories, enhancing delivery capabilities, and introducing value-added services.

Lou Fromm and Fromm Electric have been awarded the "Corporate Loyalty Award" by the International Facility Managers Association Lehigh Valley Chapter for outstanding support of the IFMA chapter and its membership. Through the COVID19 shutdown, Fromm helped the Chapter shift from live events to virtual educational programs.

As supply chain shortages continue across the country, Fromm is striving to make it as easy and convenient as possible to get the products you need. We like to think of ourselves as our customers’ first line of defense against shortages. Fromm offers daily delivery to jobsites, contractor warehouses, commercial facilities and manufacturers across the tri-state area. If you would rather pick up your materials, we have eight conveniently located branch locations in eastern Pennsylvania. Or you can have items shipped directly to you through our online store.

Philips MainsFit T8 LED tubes are the best way to replace your existing T8 and T12 fluorescent lights. Your facility or home can make the transition from inefficient fluorescent to these long lasting, eco-friendly, and color-selectable lamps. Not only will MainsFit lamps help you save on energy costs, but you will save upfront because they are eligible for the PPL Midstream Rebate program.

Global supply chain issues don’t appear to be going away anytime soon. In the meantime, Fromm has solutions for its customers. Our purchasing team has adjusted order frequency to expand inventory levels on commodities and other critical items and is in daily contact with all our major suppliers. As a result, we can provide regular tracking updates on open order shipping schedules.

“We don’t have that in stock.” Have you been hearing that a lot lately? At Fromm, we are doing everything we can to make sure you don’t hear that from us. Current supply chain issues have been difficult on the construction and manufacturing industries, but we are working to help mitigate the impact. We have increased inventory levels across the board by more than 20 percent and have adjusted our system’s lead times to reflect supplier production delays. We have beefed up our customer service staff to enhance expediting efforts on critical parts.  Our teams continuously check for substitute products that are in stock and present those options to customers.

It’s impossible to read or watch the news these days without seeing images of thousands of cargo containers stuck on freighters off the California coast. To some people this means less access to everyday consumer products. But for our customers, it may present serious challenges in sourcing the equipment and materials that are vital to their businesses. We understand the frustrations our customers are experiencing and are dedicated to doing everything in our power to mitigate the effects of the current supply chain issues.

What is Energy Efficiency Month? It's about being good stewards of our company resources, as well as the planet's. It's about being intentional as well as being wise. It's about finding innovative energy solutions and technologies for our customers.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, healthcare facilities have experienced challenges like never before. Faced early on with fears of overwhelming capacity, shortage of supplies and risks to healthcare workers, many facilities pivoted to holding off on non-emergency surgeries and other procedures. Several months later, and things look vastly different depending on where you are. Initially, New York City saw the largest surge in COVID-related cases. Now other states are experiencing their own waves. Experts anticipate that the fall and winter seasons will bring another contender: the flu, which will add its own weight to the already strained resources in healthcare facilities.

Hoffman's Universal Free-Stand Enclosure is designed to protect equipment and employees in industrial manufacturing applications. The one- and two-door models are bayed together to create application-specific configurations for indoor and outdoor use. Accessories are available to improve end-user safety and add additional panel space.

As the nation waits to find out if their children are going back in-person, online or using a hybrid program, facility teams are already deep into their prep for the upcoming school year. From elementary schools to universities, it seems everyone has questions. As each state and district handles the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways, each facility team is faced with challenges unique to their building.

Bring safe, permanent power outside with outdoor ground boxes and charging stations. Promote longer stays, better productivity and more positive experiences at higher education campuses, offices, parks, patios and more.