COE Distributing Named 2020-21 Small Business of the Year by Pitt Innovation Institute

UNIONTOWN, Pa. - April 26, 2021 - PRLog -- Recognized for perseverance and inventiveness in its response to COVID-19-spurred obstacles, COE Distributing earned a newly unveiled Small Business of the Year designation from the University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute.

One of the nation's largest wholesale distributors of office furnishings, COE Distributing received the small business (greater than $1 million revenue) honor for 2020-21, at Pitt's 15^th annual Celebration of Innovation on April 22.

Pitt's Innovation Institute nurtures unique ideas and helps students and researchers develop novel concepts to have real word impact. Significant innovations, including new cancer therapies and medical devices, have been licensed through the Institute by Pitt innovators and the University's regional entrepreneurial company partners.

"COVID prompted so many of us to rethink the way we do things and really proved the axiom that necessity is the mother of invention," said J.D. Ewing, COE's chairman and CEO. "I'm proud of the flexibility and creative thinking my team exhibited as we quickly adapted our operations at the outset of the COVID crisis and I'm gratified by the Innovation Institute's recognition of our efforts."

COE thrived in 2020 despite the unique challenges COVID-19 delved out to its industry. While many shuttered doors, COE listened intently to customer needs and pivoted to meet a new demand — designing and producing an expansive line of acrylic screens and dividers to make offices safer. The company's temporary venture into manufacturing paid off. COE worked through the pandemic with no layoffs or furloughs, pay raises for all employees and 15 new hires. It also achieved its highest revenue months in company history.

About COE Distributing

COE Distributing (http://www.coedistributing.com) is a national office furnishings distributor with a passion for creating inspiring work environments. A family-owned business since 1947, COE sources high-quality office furniture with forward-thinking, well-planned design from around the globe. Our developers collaborate with skilled manufacturers to bring exclusive products to market, ensuring each piece meets unwavering quality standards. Our private label OfficeSource offers a line of furnishings and accessories always styled right, built right and priced right. Based in southwestern Pennsylvania with distribution centers in North Carolina and Texas, COE boasts an enthusiastic team dedicated to delivering the right solutions for our customers. A distinctive product development process, go-to-market strategy, supply chain capabilities and exceptional service propel us into unparalleled space in the market.