NASCAR clean-up crew pays us a visit

Servicemaster is the official clean-up crew at NASCAR events says Mike Sarlo, the company's Sault-based divisional account manager.

The vehicle, tent and equipment used to clean up after NASCAR crashes are also used to respond to emergency situations, Sarlo says.

And to provide emergency shelter and relief to disaster victims like those who lives were torn apart by Hurricane Katrina.

Yesterday, Servicemaster's NASCAR vehicle, tent and equipment were at the grand re-opening of the company's building on Black Road.

Servicemaster has been restoring homes and businesses damaged by smoke, wind or water for 34 years in the Sault area and recently the building it's housed in underwent some changes.

"We've added an additional 2,400 square feet of space," said Sarlo. "On the main floor are five new offices and a state-of-the-art boardroom."

Belongings of customers who've suffered fire, flood or wind damage are stored in the new upstairs space, he said.

The grand re-opening day started off with an employee appreciation picnic and service awards from Gary Potvin, the franchise owner.

Some 30-year service awards were given out to local employees who've been with Servicemaster almost since it started in the Sault.

By 12:30 p.m. the new building was opened to customers both of the janitorial and restoration sides of Servicemaster and to the general public.

Panna catered the affair, there was music and am opportunity to tour the new building, see the yellow Servicemaster display NASCAR and check out the posh state-of-the-art trailer used to house visitors to the NASCAR races and also victims of disasters.

Sarlo also showed us the new direction Servicemaster is taking as it strives toward certification as a Green Seal company.

While it takes time and considerable effort to achieve Green Seal certification, Sarlo said Servicemaster believes it's worth it for the company and for its customers.

Servicemaster is exploring, training and employing new green techniques and products (seen with Sarlo above) in both its janitorial and restoration divisions.

It's using products and techniques that capture and remove dirt, germs and biological hazards, he said.

It's also using some of its considerable resources to raise funds for the Children's Rehabilitation Centre Algoma.

Local businesses, many of them Servicemaster customers, donated prizes that were raffled off yesterday with all proceeds going to the local children's treatment centre.