In an effort to more efficiently serve its customers, Ben Lomand Connect has recently added to its fleet of vehicles.

Ben Lomand Managed IT has one brand-new 2026 Ford Transit Cargo Van completely lettered and ready to go with two more expected to be completed in the next week. The Ben Lomand Security team will also be getting a new van in the coming weeks. The added space offered by the new vehicles will greatly enhance the team's ability to carry all needed equipment and eliminate the need for repeated trips.

"The space this allows them to utilize is great," BLC Chief Technology Officer Chris Centracchio said. "It keeps them from having to make multiple trips back to an office, which is particularly helpful when you are working in other counties."

BLC Managed IT Supervisor Micah Lawrence is excited about the new possibilities the vehicles offer him and his team.

"From our perspective with Managed IT, it's great for us to be able to carry everything from a large network cabinet down to any kind of equipment we may need," Lawrence said. "It makes us more efficient and allows us to hit a bunch of places on one trip. Previously we would have a truck, and you can only fit so much stuff in there. Some of our deployments require a lot of boxes and we need space to bring all of that equipment, and these new vans allow us to do that."

Also of note is a ladder rack on the roof of the vans which allows for easy storage and removal of ladders and allows workers to more safely access the equipment.

"It will bring the ladder all the way down without having to crawl on top of the vehicle," Lawrence said. "And when you're done, it will pick up the ladder and put it back on the roof."

All BLC members are invited to get a good look at the new vehicle at the Ben Lomand Connect Annual Meeting Saturday, March 21 at the Milner Recreation Center. The day's festivities begin with registration and voting and breakfast biscuits from 9-11 a.m. followed by the business meeting at 11 a.m. Entertainment from Larry Garrett will start at 9:45 a.m. Every customer will receive a gift while supplies last. Prize drawings and photo opportunities with SpongeBob SquarePants will also be offered.

Until next time, the Beat goes on

Thanks for checking out another edition of Biz Beat and thanks to our friends at Ben Lomand Connect for their sponsorship. Send your local business news, questions and suggestions to seth.wright@mainstreetmedia.llc.