Minority Small Business Of The Year Named

WASHINGTON – Patrick L. Hughes, owner and managing member of Hughes Group, LLC, of Lakewood, Wash., was named national Minority Small Business Person of the Year today during the 28th annual National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week conference in Washington, D.C.

“We are honoring the Hughes Group today for its extraordinary commitment to excellence in providing innovative products and services to the federal government and commercial markets,” said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. “Mr. Hughes’ commitment to excellence has made his small business the third fastest growing minority business in Washington state and has helped spur job creation in the small business community and the nation’s economy,” Mills continued.

The veteran-owned company was established in 1999 by Hughes, a veteran of 28 years in the military. It is certified as an 8(a) and HUBZone-certified firm, and is classified as a small disadvantaged business and a service disabled veteran-owned small business.

The Hughes Group provides aircraft, administrative and training, integrated logistics and information technology solutions to the armed forces and business community. Its wide range of services to the federal government and major private sector companies includes aircraft refueling and maintenance, postal services, personnel placement, property book management, food services, web hosting and design, and help desk support.

Clients include the departments of the Army, Veterans Affairs, Air Force, Homeland Security, the Washington National Guard, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped.

The Hughes Group was chosen from a group of 10 regional winners representing Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, Texas, Nebraska, Utah, California and Washington.

This year’s MED Week event is a collaboration with the Minority Business Development Agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the SBA, with an emphasis on helping minority small businesses expand their operations and establish a presence in the global marketplace through exporting.