When it first started, KAMO had seven employees and made its own cleaning supplies.
“I still have the original recipes,” said Jack Weinstein, the company’s CEO, at a banquet Wednesday evening at the Augusta Museum of History, marking the company’s 75th anniversary.
Nov. 2 was also the birthdate of Willie Moog who, along with Ben Kaplan, founded the business in 1947.
The banquet was one of several events tied to the company’s anniversary. Earlier in the day a charity golf tournament that raised $10,000 was held, and its annual trade show will be hosted at the Augusta Convention Center on Thursday.
MORE: KAMO Has 74-Year History in Augusta
The trade show will bring in about 50 vendors and more than 300 people are expected to attend, said Harris Weinstein, the company president who represents the third generation to participate in the family business.
While Jack Weinstein highlighted the company’s history, Harris Weinstein showcased another side — its philanthropic one.
“COVID did a lot for us,” said Harris Weinstein.
The pandemic brought an increased demand for the products KAMO offered, and the company has sought to give back to the community over the years. Some of the main organizations that KAMO has contributed to include Paceline, Piedmont Foundation, Golden Harvest Food Bank and the United Way of the CSRA.
Amy Breitmann, executive director of the Golden Harvest Food Bank, has worked closely with Harris Weinstein, who has served on the organization’s board.
She said he’s “clearly so passionate” about serving the community and meeting the needs of others.
Brittany Burnett, the president and CEO of the United Way of the CSRA, said that KAMO ran a United Way campaign this year and not only do they give financially to the organization, but they volunteer as well, even providing volunteer projects at KAMO’s site for employees.
MORE: KAMO Sees Growth in 2020 and 2021
Last month, 13 KAMO employees rode 25 miles each on bicycles as part of Paceline to raise money for cancer research.
Several members of the Augusta Commission including Sean Frantom, Ben Hasan, Francine Scott and Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Williams also attended the event.
Frantom spoke on their behalf.
“We’re honored to be here,” he said. “We see your authenticity.”
KAMO has been located on Reynolds Street since 1950 and branched into Aiken last year.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the managing editor of The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
