Dorchester Banner/Paul Clipper
Comptroller Peter Franchot visited Safe Chain in Cambridge to deliver a commendation for its success and growth in the region. Pictured are (from left) Cambridge Commissioner Gage Thomas, Safe Chain’s Thad Bench Jr., County Councilman Tom Bradshaw, Senator Addie Eckardt, Safe Chain CEO Thad Bench Sr., Comptroller Peter Franchot, Len Foxwell, Safe Chain President Charles Boyd, Delegate Johnny Mautz, County Councilman Rick Price, Cambridge Economic Development associate director Brandon Hesson, and Safe Chain’s Jesse Hamett.[/caption] CAMBRIDGE—Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot visited Dorchester County on June 17, to take a tour of Safe Chain Solutions on Chesapeake Drive. Safe Chain is a growing pharmaceutical products distributor serving customers worldwide. The company purchased their building on Chesapeake Drive in December, and hold a lease on a second warehouse building nearby. Safe Chain is a licensed, full service distributor of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. Their motto is “each order is more than just a package, it’s a patient.” Their products are distributed to hospitals, pharmacies, doctors’ offices and nursing homes in 47 states, with license pending for the other three. Company CEO Thad Bench Sr. noted to the assembled guests that the company has seen a huge expansion of business over the past five years, and Safe Chain plans to grow their operation in Cambridge. Safe Chain Partner and President Charles Boyd spoke of their growth, noting that the building Comptroller Franchot visited was approximately 20,000 square feet, and that the second warehouse was 45,000 square feet, “and it’s full,” said Mr. Boyd. “We have six acres here, and plan to expand this facility to 60,000-plus square feet.” Thad Bench Sr. credits Charles Boyd with the bulk of Safe Chain’s recent success, citing Mr. Boyd’s energy and salesmanship. “It’s been a crazy six years,” Charles replied, “You have to take that leap of faith and just do it—not think about it too much. It’s a lot of long nights, a lot of long hours, you just do it! There’s no substitution for hard work.” “It’s an honor to have Comptroller Franchot here,” said Mr. Bench. “He is a big advocate for business, a big advocate for the state, and I love the way he’s working with Governor Hogan, reaching across the aisle—he’s a Democrat, Hogan is a Republican, they both just want to do what’s right for the citizenry and it’s very refreshing. “This is the future of Cambridge and the Lower Shore,” said Comptroller Franchot, “to have businesses like this that are tapping into what is going to be the future of healthcare logistics. This is all local hiring, local talent, great leadership, and I’m pleased to see it happening here in Cambridge. There’s no reason why we can’t have hundreds of jobs built around companies like this.” “We’re very glad to be here in Cambridge,” said Mr. Bench. “Cambridge is really terrific for us. I personally enjoy the city, and I like the expanding culinary scene here. And the people we’re finding, who come to work here, are sincere, hardworking and dedicated, so we’re thrilled with our location.” “Companies that have fifty or fewer employees are probably 70 percent of our state’s GDP,” said Comptroller Franchot. “We live in the greatest country in the world, and the reason for that is our democracy, our capitalism. It’s not perfect, but it’s a heck of a lot better than any other country in the world. If you work hard and use common sense in America you can have a lot of success, and this company, Safe Chain, is proving that every day.” “This was a great visit, for us,” said Charles Boyd. “For us and for our employees too, to see us getting recognition as a growing company here in Cambridge.”