CEI News

Crystal Enterprises One-Minute Reader

Why Small Business Spending Isn't What it Could Be

A recently released report from the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration found that small businesses are largely left out of federal procurement spending in four major sectors: manufacturing; scientific and technical services; waste management and remediation; and construction.

One of the key findings of the report is that more than 80 percent of federal procurement was concentrated in four sectors in 2012: manufacturing; scientific and technical services; waste management and remediation; and construction.

How can you reach your set-aside goals? Here are three tips:

• Reach out to smaller businesses-As you may know, in 2012 the Small Business Administration made changes to their business size regulations. In fact, many small businesses now compete against much larger businesses—that are now considered small by SBA's current standards—for set-aside goals.
• Foster business development-Encourage small businesses to gain the business acumen and skills they need to win contracts in the competitive market.
• Push for teaming relationships-Make sure that your contracts allow for teaming relationships between preferred contractors and small businesses. Creating avenues for teaming relationships can help small businesses get their hand in the pot, and help you meet your small business set-aside goals.

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Look for another edition of "One-Minute Reader" next month.

Crystal Enterprises Awarded Oldest Military Food Service Recognition

As the 2014 John L. Hennessy Awards near, we’d like to share that we’ve been hard at work throughout the year on military/air force bases across the nation to promote and establish food service excellence. The John L. Hennessy Award is a 57-year-old honor that promotes the food service excellence of organizations like ours.

In 2013 we received the prestigious Hennessy Award in the Best Food Service and Sanitation category for our exceptional operations at two facilities at Whiteman Air Force Base. We provide food quality, site sanitation, service speed and accuracy, and patron service on the base. The recognition illustrates our dedication to excellence in the food service industry. We are hoping to be honored in 2014 with the award as well.

The Crystal Enterprises Difference

1. CEI’s serving procedures are efficient. Our cooks and line servers set up serving lines no earlier than 30-minutes before scheduled serving hours. Set-up is completed and lines are open for patron service no later than the scheduled start of each meal period.

2. Our line servers and backers protect open food and beverages placed on display against diner and other source contamination as specified in the Food Code. Food placed on serving lines is covered until the serving line opens. Our Line Servers clean spills on the serving line equipment as they occur. Fresh garnish is washed with potable water, is edible and always compliments the food being served. Food is garnished prior to being placed on the serving line or salad bar.

3. Each CEI staff has a minimum of two years of food service experience.

For more information about our services please contact us.

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