Patterson Leadership Summit
Patterson Leadership Summit benefits NFDH
Patterson Dental branch managers, region managers and executive leaders, as well as representatives from its partner manufacturers, attended the company’s 2010 Leadership Summit in June in Minneapolis. Manufacturers were not charged a fee to attend, but rather, were asked – as they have in years past – to make a donation to the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, a charitable affiliate of the American Dental Association.
Patterson Dental President Paul Guggenheim welcomed manufacturers. "Without your innovation, we couldn’t do what we do," he said.
"Patterson differentiates itself by how we help practices succeed," Guggenheim said. "For example, working with dentists to enhance their practice and improve the patient experience requires a dental partner who takes doctors, and often staff, through the process of education, training and system support to help the practice maximize the opportunities that come with technology." Most recently, the company announced its investment in an upgraded 100,000-square-foot Patterson Technology Center in Effingham, Ill. The center supports more than 50,000 customers nationwide.
Those at the Summit celebrated the leadership of recently retired Patterson Companies President and CEO James Wiltz, whose career with the company began in 1969 as territory representative in Kansas City and Sioux City. Positions Wiltz held include equipment specialist, Minnesota Branch manager and vice president of the Midwest Region. He was named president of Patterson Dental in 2001, and president and chief operating officer of Patterson Dental Company in 2003. Between 2001 and 2003, business operations expanded into three reportable segments: dental, veterinary (Webster Veterinary) and rehabilitation supply (Patterson Medical). Wiltz continues to be involved in the business through participation on the board of directors.
"Jim is a critical part of the company’s growth," said Pete Frechette, Patterson Companies chairman of the board of directors. "He initiated and led critical efforts, including spearheading our technology business and our entry into the software business. Jim was also clearly part of implementing Patterson’s value-added approach, based on three priorities: be a single-source solution, be easy to do business with, and build a high-technology platform."
Wiltz was also a supporter of charities, including the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped and Christina’s Smile (a program of the PGA Tour and Champions Tour), both of which provide underserved populations with access to dental care.
Patterson has helped raise more than $1 million for the NFDH, said its president and CEO, Larry Coffee. "Using this generous support to expand the Donated Dental Services program, this assistance has been leveraged into $15 million in comprehensive pain-relieving, dignity-restoring and even life-sustaining therapies for several thousand needy elders and individuals with mental, physical and/or medical disabilities." Wiltz is a longstanding member of the NFDH board of directors.
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