The latest milestone for an area company has some workers jokingly suggesting a name change for one of its hottest products.
Vocational Services, Inc., produces a wide range of first aid kits for horses and pets. The latest is the Sport Dog Kit™ for hunters, field trial specialists and other outdoor-minded dog owners. The Sport Dog Kit™ has also earned praise from dog managers in law enforcement such as drug-dog teams because of the kit's heavy duty contents, including treatment for gunshot wounds.
But the Sport Dog Kit™ has just received some of its most surprising attention yet. The French magazine Animalerie in its latest issue featured a product review of Sport Dog Kit™ as part of their coverage of the October World Wide Pet Supply Association Trade Show in Chicago. But while VSI has several product plans for the future, don't expect Le Poodle Kit™ soon.
"We're very proud of the attention," agreed VSI Executive Director Randy Hylton. "What is most gratifying is that they have recognized the quality of our unique products. Out of all the products at the show, we were among only seven that were featured this way in the magazine."
VSI's Show-Me Animal Products line includes several first aid kits for horses as well as a Pet Kit™ and Bird Kit™. All have received extensive attention, including the recent adoption of Sport Dog Kits™ by the Racine, Wisc. K-9 Police Corps. Nor is this the first international focus. Several kits were purchased for customers in the United Arab Emirates following a trade show in Los Angeles.
Hylton emphasized that such attention is exciting for several reasons. VSI provides employment and other opportunities for workers with developmental disabilities. "Original products" such as Bird Kit™ and Sport Dog Kit™ expand those opportunities to counter job-losses in a changing economy.
"It's important that we constantly look for new and expanded opportunities for our employees," Hylton said. "Products such as Sport Dog Kit™ are an excellent way to create jobs for workers with a disability. The more opportunity we create through our own efforts, the more opportunity we can offer, regardless of global economics or other factors. In today's economy, that's the best way for us to serve the community."
For additional information, call (816) 781-9300 or 1-800-831-7245.
