America's SBDCs and SBDC Clients Recognized at National Small Business Week

WASHINGTON, May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- America's SBDC is excited to announce that the Louisiana SBDC center at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana and six SBDC clients from around the country will be acknowledged and awarded at this year's National Small Business Week. National Small Business Week honors America's 28 million small businesses and their entrepreneurial, innovative and resilient spirit that serves as the backbone of the American economy.

"This year's winners are dynamic trailblazers in their respective small business fields, contributing to their local economies and providing good jobs in their communities. It is an honor to celebrate their hard work and success," said Maria Contreras-Sweet, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

"Small Business Development Centers don't just help entrepreneurs and growing businesses they help create success, they help people realize their dreams. SBDC impact can be seen in the number of businesses starting and growing and creating jobs all across America. National recognition of our clients' success are just the icing on the cake. At America's SBDC we are proud to represent a national network that does such great work and especially proud of all the winners and finalists." said Charles "Tee" Rowe, America's SBDC President & CEO.

The winners & finalists listed below will be invited to a recognition ceremony at the White House on May 8th.                                                                                                  

2015 Small Business Week Winner
Louisiana Small Business Development, Center at Southeastern Louisiana University
2015 Phoenix Award for Outstanding Small Business Disaster Recovery
Moriches Inlet Marine, Inc., Conrad Kreuter, President, NY
2015 Exporter of the Year
Sawyer MFG Company, Dave Hembry, Vice President, OK
8(a) Graduate:
First State Manufacturing, Eliseo Valenzuela, Owner/CEO and Sher Valenzuela, Vice President/Co-Owner, DE
2015 Small Business Person of the Year Finalist
Carol M. Craig, FL
Richard Jackson, American Document Services, LLC, NM
Brett Bain/Brian Edwards, Joint Owners, Fair Wind, LLC, OK

About America's SBDC and Small Business Development Centers: America's SBDC represents the Nation's 63 Small Business Development Centers, a national network of partnerships uniting higher education, state and local nonprofit economic development organizations, private enterprise and government. It is the Small Business Administration's largest partnership program, providing management and technical assistance to help Americans start, run and grow their own businesses. Learn more at www.americassbdc.org.

Press Contacts:
April Youngblut, Director, Marketing & Communications;
America's SBDC
(703) 764-9850

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SOURCE America's SBDC