SBA Honors National Small Business Champions
WASHINGTON – The U. S. Small Business Administration today honored nine champions of small business, including a businesswoman who helps disadvantaged women-owned businesses succeed; a financial services guru who introduces small business entrepreneurs to sources of capital; and an all around community activist who advocates “economic gardening” and helps small minority businesses start, grow and succeed. These small business owners and leaders of small business support organizations were recognized today for their outstanding support of entrepreneurs. The Champion Awards were presented in Washington, D.C., as part of the annual observance of National Small Business Week, May15-21. “The SBA is proud to honor these men and women as champions of small business. Their tireless efforts have supported small businesses, local communities, and America’s economic recovery efforts” said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. “They provide the counseling, advocacy, advice and support that small business owners need, and foster an environment where the spirit of entrepreneurship can flourish, resulting in economic growth and job creation.” This year’s Champion Awards recognize winners from Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, Vermont, and two from Washington state. The Champion Awards were presented at the Champion Award Winners Gala in Washington D.C. The 2011 National Champions and Special Award Winners are: 2011 National Financial Services Champion Cairn G. Cross, co-founder & managing director FreshTracks Capital Shelburne, Vt. 2011 National Home-Based Business Champion Patricia E. Beck, Self Employment Training coordinator Great Plains Technology Center Lawton, Okla. 2011 National Minority Small Business Champion James R. Reid, president Momentum Texas, Inc. Dallas, Texas 2011 National Women in Business Champion Laurie E. Simon, founder & CEO Ombrella, Inc. Kirkland, Wash. 2011 National Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business David L. Haydel Sr., president & CEO Haydel Enterprises, Inc. Dba Haydel’s Bakery Jefferson, La. 2011 National Veteran Champion Darrel Bowman, CEO Mynetworkcompany.com Tacoma, Wash. 2011 National SBA Young Entrepreneur William M. Fuller, president & CEO Atlas Frontiers, Inc. Boise, Idaho 2011 National Exporter of the Year Darryl J. Barlett, vice president/general manager k-Space Associates, Inc. Dexter, Mich. 2011 Entrepreneurial Success Elaine Krieger, president Krieger Kiddie Corporation Naperville, Ill.
