ECRS Honored as a Top 25 Evergreen Company by Tugboat Institute for Second Year Running

Boone, NC — September 23, 2025 — ECRS is thrilled to be named one of the Top 25 Evergreen Companies of 2024 by the Tugboat Institute, securing this distinguished recognition for the second consecutive year. The Tugboat Institute’s Evergreen 25 celebrates companies that embody purpose-driven leadership, foster people-first cultures, and prioritize sustainable, principled growth. ECRS’ repeated inclusion highlights its steadfast commitment to innovation, integrity, and meaningful community contributions.

Comments from our customers:

“We’ve been using ECRS systems at Erewhon for over 10 years, and they’ve consistently delivered for us. Their systems are remarkably reliable, and their support team is always responsive and proactive in addressing our needs. What truly sets ECRS apart is how they’ve grown alongside our business, adapting their solutions as we’ve evolved. They don’t just provide technology—they act as genuine partners invested in our success. This Evergreen recognition perfectly reflects the enduring, customer-focused approach that has made ECRS such a trusted partner for our operations.” –  Tony Antoci, CEO at Erewhon.

“The culture at ECRS is unlike anything I have experienced in the world of POS providers. They are truly customer driven and that only happens when leadership prioritizes its team. Pete is a good friend and an even better person who has built his company to last and have impact on generations of its customers, team members, and professional community. If I were in his business I would be trying to copy him.” – Tom Coogle, President at Reynolds Foodliner, Inc.

Comments from our employees:

“Evergreen Certified isn’t just a title — it’s a promise. Every time I help a customer, I know the tools we offer are built to last, designed to adapt, and backed by a company that’s in it for the long haul.” – Tommy Kennedy, L2 Support Technician.

“After 25 years at ECRS, I can say it’s not just about longevity—it’s about purpose. We’ve grown with integrity, stayed true to our values, pioneered new solutions and built a culture where people matter. Being part of a company that invests in its people, its community, and its future is something I’m very proud of.” – Karen Petrey, Software Developer D3.

“ECRS embodies its values from the top down, starting with the CEO and reaching every level of the organization. The company’s leadership and dedication to its principles make it not only a great place to work but also a pleasure to be part of.” – John Kidney, WebCart & reciProfity Consultant.

“In my more that 25 years at ECRS, I have seen the company grow and change over the years and I can say without a doubt that becoming an Evergreen company has had the most positive impact on our company and how we view our customers, employees, and the products we deliver. I am proud to work for an Evergreen company.” – Otis Flieth, Senior Sales Engineer.

About Tugboat Institute and the Evergreen Movement

The Tugboat Institute unites CEOs and founders of privately held companies guided by the Evergreen 7Ps® Principles: Purpose, Perseverance, People First, Private, Profit, Paced Growth, and Pragmatic Innovation. These values drive businesses built for longevity, aiming to thrive for 100 years or more. Evergreen companies focus on ethical practices, community impact, and sustained growth, offering a counterpoint to short-term, exit-focused models. The Tugboat Institute promotes these ideals through its annual Best Evergreen Companies® list and other initiatives.

For more details on ECRS’ recognition and the Evergreen 25, visit: Tugboat Institute’s 2024 Best Evergreen Companies.

About ECRS

Family-owned since 1989, ECRS is a Certified Evergreen® retail transactions and artificial intelligence solutions provider, offering simple, practical solutions that unify operations and empower independent retailers to thrive. ECRS’ revolutionary CATAPULT® POS platform, powered by Unified Transaction Logic®, is the market’s only truly unified transaction platform that seamlessly connects all retail touchpoints. With CATAPULT, all retail touchpoints—including point of sale, back office, self-checkout, deli scale, fuel pump, pharmacy, inventory, loyalty, eCommerce, and enterprise management—share one single transactional logic. Unifying hardware, software, and services, ECRS offers friction-free, cost-saving solutions that make advanced automation accessible while transforming the consumer experience.