INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb recently recognized Arab Termite and Pest Control, Marion County, Ind., with the Century Award. Arab was one of 101 Indiana companies and organizations to be recognized with the Governor’s Century or Half Century Business Award longevity and service to its employees, community and the state.
“I’m honored to recognize these dedicated, Hoosier business leaders who have created a lasting impact not only on their communities but to the state as a whole,” said Gov. Holcomb. “As we continue to attract new jobs and investment to Indiana, these well-established businesses will set the tone for a Hoosier economy dedicated to hard work, constant improvement and strong community roots. I’m confident these businesses will continue providing great service for the next 100 years and keep Indiana on the path to success for centuries to come."
The Governor’s Century and Half Century Business Awards honor Hoosier businesses that have remained in operation for a minimum of 100 or 50 consecutive years and have demonstrated a commitment to community service. More than 1,160 Indiana companies have been recognized during the award's 30-year history.
The history of Arab begins in the early 1900s when Dr. Allen, an entomologist developed a chemical for mothproofing expensive Oriental rugs from carpet beetles. Allen had no knowledge of marketing, so he asked his friend, Herman B. Jordan, a businessman from Indianapolis, to assist him in marketing the product to the public.
Both friends had a good product, but needed a marketable name. They knew the name had to be catchy, distinctive, colorful and descriptive. After much work and contemplation, Arab (pronounced AA’rab) a term derived, in this case, from the theme of the Arabian Nights was created. The new label had romantic flair, illusions of flying Persian carpets and mysteries of the East. Then came the well-known logo "See a bug... call Arab."
In 1975, Syed "Sid" Anwar Shah, a Pakistan native, took a job as a controller at Arab Termite and Pest Control. Twelve years later, Arab owner H. Dale Collins worked our a financial arrangement whereby Sha and the company's general manager, Duane Edwards, could buy the business together. After Edwards developed cancer, Shah became the sole owner and president of Arab Termite and Pest Control. Shah remains owner of Arab Termite and Pest Control, which has grown to become one of the largest independently owned pest control firms in Indiana.
"We are very grateful for your business friendship, and years of hard work to promote and enhance the quality of our service to our Hoosier customers," Shah said.
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