Championing the success of small businesses in locales across America, nine small business owners and leaders of small business support organizations were recognized today by the U.S. Small Business Administration for their outstanding support of entrepreneurs. SBA Champion Awards were presented at an evening reception on April 23, 2007 in Washington, D.C. as part of the annual observance of National Small Business Week.
"The SBA is proud to honor people who are among the true champions of small business and whose tireless efforts have provided tangible and significant support to small businesses and their communities," said SBA Administrator Steven C. Preston. "They provide the counseling, advice and support that small business owners need, and foster an environment in which the spirit of entrepreneurship can flourish."The award winners are recognized for their efforts and excellence in various aspects of small business.
This year's Champion Awards recognize winners from Massachusetts, Washington, Missouri, Utah, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, Wyoming and Indiana. For more detailed information on all the winners please go to app1.sba.gov/sbsuccess/2007/.
The winners are:
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2007 Financial Services Champion Anne Marie Cerami Senior VP and Manager of Agency Guaranty Programs TD Banknorth, NA Burlington, Massachusetts |
2007 Small Business Exporter Ross Johnson President & CEO Mobi-Light, Inc. West Jordan, Utah |
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2007 SBA Young Entrepreneur Jeremy Ames, President David Nilssen, CEO Guidant Financial Group, Inc. Bellevue, Washington |
2007 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business Nancy D. Marshall, President & CEO Aluminum Supply Company Detroit, Michigan |
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2007 Veteran Champion Richard T. Grote, Chairman American Medical Claims, Inc. Saint Louis, Missouri |
2007 Small Business Journalist Jody Glynn Patrick Vice President, Publisher & Radio Journalist In Business Magazine Madison, Wisconsin |
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2007 Minority Champion Marva Smith Battle-Bey President & CEO Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation Los Angeles, California |
2007 Women in Business Champion Charlotte Zietlow, Economic Development Coordinator Middle Way House, Inc. Bloomington, Indiana |
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2007 Home-Based Business Champion Kevin and Julie Gaukel, Owners Gaukel Grown & Ground Keeline, Wyoming |
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Selected from nomination packages submitted to SBA field offices in their communities, the winners are being recognized on the basis of having met one or more of the following criteria:
- Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential necessary for long-term business success and economic growth.
- Showed evidence of success, if a small business, as measured by sales and profits.
- Displayed voluntary efforts beyond business/professional responsibilities to advance small business interests within the small business community, state and/or nation.
- Provided support of the small business community as a whole, not solely for individual personal advancement.
- Engaged in other accomplishments demonstrating the nominee's effective support of small business.
For additional information on Small Business Week 2007, including a full schedule of events and information on all award winners, go online to www.sba.gov/sbw.
Washington - April 23, 2007
Release Number: 07-23
Contact: Dennis Byrne, (202) 205-6567
Information courtesy of the Small Business Administration.
