Republic Celebrates 100 Years in Style
2016 has been a big year for Republic, an independent, third generation family owned electrical, mechanical and energy management distributor in the Quad Cities with branches in Cedar Rapids and Dubuque, Iowa, and Peoria, Illinois. On September 22, Republic commemorated 100 years in business with a grand celebration at the iWireless Center in Moline, Illinois.
More than 600 customers, vendors, employees and community leaders entered the party on a red carpet and took in the jaw dropping transformation of the venue. The hockey and concert arena was transformed into a luxurious ambience of classy and modern sophistication. Each candle-lit table featured fresh flowers and intricate centerpieces. Crystal chandeliers were suspended above, and the company’s signature red accent color was prominently featured with glowing cocktail tables and truss lighting.
Dueling pianos provided live music throughout the evening as guests enjoyed an impressive selection of hors d'oeuvres, desserts and dinner choices. Short presentations showcased the company’s history with memorable videos and stories of the past.
A capstone of the evening was the presentation of a $40,608 check to the Handicapped Development Center (HDC) to create the J.S. Kimmel Technology Training Center. Republic capitalized on their 100th anniversary to encourage the community at large to contribute to the creation of this much-needed resource for the HDC, a local Davenport organization that Republic’s founder, J.S. Kimmel Sr. helped to create. Altogether over 130 individuals and businesses contributed to this great cause.
In addition to raising money for this charity, Republic will also give away furnaces in its “Give Warmth” program. The company is partnering with the Salvation Army, Johnson Controls and local YORK and Luxaire dealers to provide and install up to 25 furnaces for needy members of the communities it serves.
Company president, Mark Kilmer recognized the importance of the milestone and stated, “We are truly humbled by the great response and the wonderful support from our customers and our vendor partners. It will certainly be a night to remember in our company’s proud history.”
Square D by Schneider Electric, JCI (representing both the YORK and Luxaire brands), and 24 other vendor-partners participated at various levels in support of this once-a-century celebration.
The evening was filled with laughs, dancing, camaraderie and memories from three generations.
Kilmer concluded that “Republic is looking forward to the next 100 years as it continues to thrive with ResponseAbility, innovation, and a genuine commitment to our families and our communities.”