Entrepreneurial Leadership Series Features Marilyn Landis

Officer and Senator John Pippy Saluted by SBA for Service to Veterans

News Release


PITTSBURGH DISTRICT OFFICE

Release Date:
May 18, 2011
Contact: Janet Heyl
(412) 395-6560, ext. 103

Release Number: PGH11-15 Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

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Army officer and state Senator John Pippy to be saluted by Small Business Administration for service to veterans

PITTSBURGH – When John Pippy was in high school he applied to the Air Force Academy, hoping to become an officer in the same branch his father served as an enlisted man during the Vietnam War. But the U.S. Army sacked those plans when they recruited the defensive end to play football for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

“West Point talked so much about leadership, I loved it, I’m from a blue-collar town near Boston and have always had a sense of duty and patriotism, not only was my dad in the Air Force but my grandfather was in the Navy during World War II,” Pippy said. “We joke in our family that because I joined the Army we have a complete circle representing the military services.”

Pippy, 40, has since dedicated his adult life to service. For 19 years, he has defended his country as an officer in the U.S. Army and Pennsylvania National Guard and since 1997 he’s served Pennsylvania residents as a state legislator. This month, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) salutes Pippy as Western Pennsylvania’s Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year.

Pippy and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be lauded at the Western Pennsylvania SBA May 27th Awards Luncheon at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 48th annual celebration of National Small Business Week.

While majoring in environmental engineering as a cadet, Pippy met his wife who was also an Academy cadet. While home is his house in Moon Township, Pippy has travelled the world as a soldier, from South Korea and Germany to Iraq and Kuwait. His travels have taught him about different cultures and human needs.

"What we in the U.S. take for granted, such as water and electricity, isn’t the norm for a lot of cultures,” he said. “You realize how fortunate you are.” For Pippy, taking care of those who have served has been his stateside mission as a legislator in addition to his duties as a major in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

“About one-half of the individuals who have served in the current war are reservists or members of the National Guard,” Pippy explained. “Their experiences shape the community they live in, so it’s important that we honor all those who have served their country.” In addition to supporting legislation to reduce the capital stock and franchise tax which spurred economic growth and jobs, Pippy also sponsored a Small Business Energy Efficiency grant program.

The program provided a matching grant of up to $7,500 for small businesses to defray the costs purchasing and implementing energy efficient products or systems. Pippy has also provided quality-of-life benefits for Pennsylvania armed service members and retirees, writing legislation to ensure that military personnel receive lower tuition rates when stationed in Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh-based Robert Morris University now offers free tuition to veterans.

“It’s a win-win situation at Robert Morris because non-military students and professors can discover so much from our men and women who have served their country and share their life stories,” he said. Pippy himself said he has learned from retired military personnel he often meets at veteran organizations.

“I was at a Vietnam Memorial function and a gentleman came up to me and told me his brother would never be able to see the memorial because he was wheelchair bound and could'nt travel,” Pippy explained. “We couldn’t find a DVD, so we took a film crew to D.C. and a park ranger hosted a tour.” Pippy said DVDs were burnt and the tours, along with a Korean Memorial tour, now are available online.

According to Western Pennsylvania SBA District Director Carl Knoblock, Pippy serves as an example of why veterans are so valuable to their community.

“I commend and thank him for serving his country and for continually improving the lives of military personnel, both active and retired, in Pennsylvania.”

Pippy said it was a privilege and honor to be selected as the SBA’s veteran champion.

“I think it’s great that the SBA recognizes service to veterans,” he said. “I was just doing my job [as a senator and officer] and will stay in the military as long as they have a job for me,” he added. “I can’t imagine not being part of a military family.”

Note: If you would like to speak with Sen. John Pippy or Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, please contact Janet Heyl at 412-395-6560, ext. 103

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The U.S. Small Business Administration – helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.

Charles Powell Recognized by SBA for Work with Region's Minority Community

News Release


PITTSBURGH DISTRICT OFFICE

Release Date:
May 18, 2011
Contact: Janet Heyl (412) 395-6560, ext. 103

Release Number: PGH11-11 Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

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SBA honors community director for outreach efforts, economic growth and social acceptance

PITTSBURGH – Throughout his four-decade career in community development as director of diversity affairs and community outreach for the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Pittsburgh, Charles Powell never lost sight of his target: to work constructively on behalf of the region’s minority community.

For his efforts, Powell will be honored May 27th as the Western Pennsylvania Minority Small Business Champion of the Year at SBA’s Western Pennsylvania Awards Luncheon. Eight other local small business owners and advocates will be honored at the luncheon, which is held at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh, in conjunction with the 48th annual celebration of National Small Business Week in Washington, D.C.

In the past 20 years, Powell has been instrumental in leveraging more than $500 million contract dollars for women and minority businesses.

“We [the URA] are the economic engine for this city and my role centers on training and community outreach,” Powell said. Powell explained his work is judged by the many communities within the city of Pittsburgh and that most organizations would give him an “A grade.”

“At the recent Target development site in East Liberty, the mayor and URA board established a minority contracting goal of 25 percent,” he explained. “But, through our outreach and compliance, that project saw 42 percent of contracts and subcontracts awarded to women and minority firms.” Growing up in McDonald, Pa., Powell attended Virginia Union University where he majored in psychology and entered the workforce just as America was embracing the Great Society.

“The Great Society was an introduction to a national emphasis to provide support to communities for education to embrace and deal with changes in social thinking,” Powell explained. “The jobs provided decent wages and the government was looking for people with a background in psychology and sociology.” He started his community relations career with the Greater Pittsburgh Dairy Association, where he was responsible for educating the area’s 26 local dairies on integration and the importance of hiring African-Americans as dairy workers and truck drivers.

“I received strong support and a lot of publicity because we [the association] wanted people to know that our goal was to integrate the Western Pennsylvania dairy industry,” Powell stated.

However, one day, he noticed a large group outside of the former Mellon Bank headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh protesting the bank to hire African-Americans.

“I was recommended to Mellon to assist their efforts and stayed there for 20 years where I increased my responsibilities, first in employee relations and finally moved to corporate affairs where I became a vice president,” he added.

When Mellon shifted its focus to investment banking, Powell transferred his skills to the URA and to the community.

He was appointed by former Gov. Rendell to the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Board and also serves on the board for the Salvation Army. While Powell certainly is pleased at his civic contributions over the last 40 years, he is most proud of being a founding member of Pittsburgh’s African-American Chamber of Commerce and being invited to a 2007 National Security Seminar at the U.S. Army’s War College in Carlisle, Pa.

“I wasn’t a veteran and someone nominated me and I was selected and that was special,” he said. “So was the 1992 creation of the African American chamber by a small group of visionaries.”

According to Western Pennsylvania SBA District Director Carl Knoblock, Powell serves as an example of how government leaders can strive for community involvement and betterment. “He has given so much back to neighborhood small businesses through his leadership and commitment. He truly is an asset.”

Powell said he was overjoyed to be recognized by the SBA, which has a mission parallel to that of the URA.

“Being involved with small business is a great mission because we help the economy grow; it’s a great honor to be acknowledged.”

Note: If you would like to speak with Charles Powell or Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, please contact Janet Heyl at 412-395-6560, ext. 103

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The U.S. Small Business Administration – helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.

Duquesne's SBDC Announce April/May Workshops

April - May 2011 Workshops


For workshop details, more information or to register visit www.duq.edu/sbdc

or call 412.396.1633.


April 7 The First Step: Business Start-Up Essentials (Butler County)

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. FREE



April 7 Export Documentation: Avoid Compliance Mistakes

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. $395



April 8 SBIR / STTR Basics

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. FREE



April 11 First Step: Business Start-Up Essentials (Pittsburgh)

1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. FREE



April 12 Building A Strategic Growth Plan: One Day Workshop

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. $195



April 14 Cold Calling: Make the Most of Your Prospecting

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $45



April 14 First Step: Business Start-Up Essentials (Lawrence)

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. FREE



April 20 QuickBooks: Advanced

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $45



April 26 Writing an Effective Business Plan

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $45



April 28 Tools for Small Business - 2011 and Beyond

8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. FREE



April 29 How to Win SBIR Awards

8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. $175



May 3 The First Step: Business Start-Up Essentials (Butler County)

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. FREE



May 11 SBIR / STTR Basics

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. FREE



May 12 Entrepreneur's Growth Conference

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. $119 till April 28



May 17 First Step: Business Start-Up Essentials (Pittsburgh)

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. FREE



May 19 The First Step: Business Start-Up Essentials (Beaver County)

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. FREE



May 26 Export Basics: Increase Your Profits By Selling Overseas

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $45







Funding support and resources are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development; through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration; and in part through support from Duquesne University. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling 412-396-6233. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.”

SBA Prescribes Loan for Local Pediatric Practice

Dr. Todd Wolynn (l) and Dr. Albert Wolf (r)

News Release


PITTSBURGH DISTRICT OFFICE

Release Date:
December 3, 2010

Contact: Janet Heyl (412) 395-6560

Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

Release Number: 11-02/PGH

SBA prescribes loan program for local doctors, helps cultivate a family friendly pediatric practice

PITTSBURGH – When Dr. Todd Wolynn became a new father, he was willing to stay up nights to nurture his three children. With the help of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Wolynn, 44, is again finding himself forgoing sleep to care for his new baby – an all-encompassing pediatric practice in a Greenfield strip mall.

Wolynn and partner Dr. Albert Wolf recently utilized the newly implemented Small Business Jobs Bill to purchase the Greenfield location to develop their practice by offering traditional services and providing a one-stop care center for children newborn to age 18.

The two doctors met while completing their pediatric residency at Mercy Hospital and joining their instructor as physicians at the former Southwestern Pediatric Association. In June, Wolynn and Wolf formed the Kids Plus Pediatrics practice in Greenfield and companion office in the Pleasant Hills section of Pittsburgh.

The two recently closed on the Greenfield location, enabling them to purchase the former Southwestern Pediatric Association site plus four additional retail slots. The doctors now own the practice and building where they have routinely met with young patients and their parents for more than 10 years. The practice houses the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh, adoption health services, infant nutrition and sleep services and a wellness center.

For Wolynn and Wolf, pediatrics was a natural fit. Each was a standout in science and worked with children as coaches and camp counselors.

“We have a philosophy where we listen to families, focus on intimate relationships and never rush anyone out the door,” Wolynn explained. “By combining that philosophy with the progressive use of business and social applications, we hope to create the pediatric practice of the future.”

Under a collaborative effort between the Regional Development Funding Corporation (RDFC) and PNC, the partners obtained an SBA 504 Loan and qualified for a waiver under the Jobs Bill on any lending fees, which saved them more than $16,000. Wolynn and Wolf used the funds to upgrade the facilities, employ clinical and administrative persons and hire a communications director and project manager.

“These two individuals will enable us to implement new activities and communicate with parents via social networking and educational videos,” Wolynn said. “We also have a Health and Wellness Center where we provide classes to expecting parents and in the future hope to offer yoga and Pilates classes to parents and community residents.”

Carl Knoblock, Pittsburgh SBA district director, said Wolynn and Wolf are prime examples of what people can do when they think outside the box. “This is a great example of two professionals in traditional fields using new technologies and employing business professionals to grow their practice and become an even greater asset to the community,” stated Knoblock. “They understand the importance of offering services that enhance the lives of their clientele, whether it’s an instant message parenting tip or extended services.”

Rebecca MacBlane, executive director of the RDFC said because of their unique services, she found it particularly satisfying to support Drs. Wolynn and Wolf. “They offer all-encompassing care for parents before, during and after birth,” she said. “It’s a unique approach to pediatrics and I’m pleased to have assisted them.”

Wolf said the SBA’s assistance enabled Kids Plus Pediatrics to grow into the multi-faceted practice once envisioned by its founders.

“Because we were a new entity and forming our practice at the same time, we just didn’t have the financial numbers to complete this without the SBA,” he explained. “The loan enabled us to do a lot more for our young patients.”

The 504 Loan Program is an economic development program that supports American small business growth and helps communities through business expansion and job creation. This SBA program provides long-term, fixed-rate, subordinate mortgage financing for acquisition and/or renovation of capital assets. Loans are provided through Certified Development Companies (CDC’s) who work with the lending community to make loans in first position on reasonable terms, helping lenders retain growing customers and provide Community Redevelopment Act Credit.
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If you would like to arrange an interview with SBA Pittsburgh District Director Carl Knoblock or Dr. Wolynn and Dr. Wolf, or would like further information on SBA’s loan programs, please contact Ms. Janet Heyl at 412-395-6560 x103 or by email: Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

The U.S. Small Business Administration – helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.

Women's Procurement Program Wins Victory

VICTORY - SBA ANNOUNCES FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WOMEN'S PROCUREMENT PROGRAM


For Immediate Release

Contact: Marybeth Grass

Pitch Public Relations

Marybeth@PitchPublicRelations.com

Phone: 480.263.1557

Washington, D.C. - October 7, 2010 - Count Me in for Women’s Economic Independence applauds the release of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s The Final Rule, which will implement the Women’s Procurement Program, enacted into law in 2000.

"With this ruling, more women are poised to get from micro to millions, stimulate job growth and fuel the economy,” said Nell Merlino, CEO and Founder of Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence.

When enacted, contracting officers will have the ability to restrict competition to women-owned small businesses if the procurement falls within one of the eighty-three (83) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.

“For eleven long years, we have anxiously awaited final implementation of the Women’s Procurement Program. Thanks to Administrator Karen Mills and her team, the program is finally underway,” said Barbara Kasoff, President of Women Impacting Public Policy. “WIPP’s efforts led the way to ensure that women contractors have the opportunity to receive their fair share of contracting dollars. We believe that increased federal contracting opportunities will give women business owners a chance at growing their business,” added Kasoff.

Since 2008, WIPP’s Give Me 5 Program (www.GiveMe5.com) has helped increase the number of women-owned businesses registered on the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) by over 30 percent. The CCR is the government database that was used to determine the number of eligible industries in the new program. Along with advocacy for passage and implementation of the Program, WIPP’s educational initiatives have worked to build the pool of women-owned businesses ready to bid on federal contracts.

Important to the program’s success is a change made in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which restored “parity” among all of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) small business contracting programs. The program will be considered equal to any other small business-contracting program. This issue is highlighted in WIPP’s Economic Blueprint: The Women Business Owners’ Platform for Growth, unveiled during the WIPP 2010 Annual Leadership Conference. The Blueprint serves as WIPP’s voice regarding challenges unique to small businesses that require action by our elected officials.

Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) is a national nonpartisan group with over half-a-million members. WIPP is the collective voice in Washington, D.C., for 51 national women and small business organizations. WIPP advocates for and on behalf of women in business in the legislative process of our nation, creating economic opportunities for members and building alliances with other small business organizations. Visit www.wipp.org

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence is the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources, business education and community support for women entrepreneurs seeking to grow micro businesses to million dollar enterprises. To achieve this, Make Mine a Million $ Business was launched to challenge women entrepreneurs to reach $1 million in annual revenues in the next decade. Reaching this goal would create more than 4 million new jobs and $700 billion in economic activity. Through pioneering multi-platform programs, Count Me In unleashes the full capacity of women’s entrepreneurial spirit and the striking power of women’s economic potential. This is not just another economic development program. Count Me In is fueling a mindset and a movement that promises to change the landscape of the U.S. marketplace and benefit all Americans and their families.

To find out more, visit www.makemineamillion.org.

SBA Score Champion of the Year Also Career Soldier

News Release


PITTSBURGH DISTRICT OFFICE



Release Date: May 11, 2010 Contact: Janet Heyl (412) 395-6560, ext. 103

Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

Release Number: 10-13/PGH



Local commissioner SCORES win as Western Pennsylvania SBA Volunteer of the Year Award



GREENSBURG, PA – For almost 28 years Col. (Ret.) Charles Anderson served his country as a decorated officer in the Marine Corps, with tours of duty as a pilot in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and holding executive positions at the Pentagon and Cherry Point, N.C. But for the past eight years, Anderson has stayed grounded lending his business expertise as a counselor and motivational speaker for the Westmoreland Chapter of SCORE – Counselor’s to America’s to Small Businesses.



Anderson, a Westmoreland County commissioner, will be honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the 2010 Western Pennsylvania SCORE Volunteer of the Year.



Anderson and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be lauded at the Western Pennsylvania SBA May 28th Awards Luncheon which will be held at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 47th annual celebration of National Small Business Week.



Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, said that Anderson is an example of how one never stops serving their fellow countrymen. “Here is a decorated Marine Corps colonel, who is a commissioner of a large and growing county, and he still sets time aside to counsel prospective small business owners,” Knoblock said. “His SCORE clients are benefiting from his business and government experience, as well as his dedication.”



Anderson started his career at the tender age of four or five working at his grandfather’s store, Anderson’s Market. “I would sit on the floor with a big bag of potatoes and put those potatoes into small, five-pound bags,” he said. “It was work, but like a game to me.”



As he got older, Anderson’s duties increased and soon he was cutting meats, delivering food and learning the day-to-day operations of running a grocery store. Majoring in business at Waynesburg University, Anderson thought he would stay in the retail arena until he entered the Marine Corps as an officer.



“I was a supply officer because I thought it would enhance my business skills, but I really wanted to be a pilot,” he stated. After serving his three years, Anderson went back to the grocery business but never was able to let go of his dream of flying.





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‘I took flight classes at the (former) Latrobe Airport, and loved it,” he said. “I sent a letter to the Marines asking them if I could come back and enter flight school.” When he found out that at age 26 he was considered too old to fly, Anderson took to the hallways of the Washington, D.C. Marine Headquarters to tell his tale to anyone who would listen.



After three days, one officer granted Anderson the right to compete for Navy/Marine flight school where only the top three candidates were awarded the chance to fly jets. The spirited Anderson made sure he was prepared. “I hired myself a tutor to prepare and study vectors and trigonometry and got a flight physical,” he said. “During flight school, I carried around a model plane. Sure, everyone made fun of me, but guess what? I was the third jet pilot selected.”



Anderson relocated back to Westmoreland County in 2002 as a retiree and joined a host of organizations in order to give back and better the community – SCORE was one of those organizations. He said he uses his flight analogy to tell people never to take “no” for an answer, to set high goals and prepare for them.



“I tell my SCORE clients to write a business plan and set a goal,” he explained. “They (clients) need to go through the process of what they want to do, how to get there and become dedicated to achieving that goal.”



While Anderson is proud of his selection as the SCORE Volunteer of the Year, he said the award really is for the entire chapter.



“We have such great volunteers at Westmoreland SCORE all who had successful careers, giving up their time to make the community a better place – just like I wanted to do,” he stated. “They are so dedicated it makes my eyes want to water.”



Note: If you would like to speak with Commissioner Charles Anderson or Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, please contact Janet Heyl at 412-395-6560, ext. 103



The U.S. Small Business Administration – helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.



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Executive Director Diversity Business Resource Center Honored by Small Business Administration

News Release


PITTSBURGH DISTRICT OFFICE



Release Date: May 10, 2010 Contact: Janet Heyl (412) 395-6560, ext. 103

Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

Release Number: 10-11/PGH



Executive director who enlightens small business owners receives accolades as SBA regional and local Women in Business Champion of the Year



PITTSBURGH – Christina Damiano, executive director of the Diversity Business Resource Center (DBRC) doesn’t consider herself to be entrepreneurial. But many of the 500 small business owners she has assisted deem her as just that.



Perhaps it’s because Damiano implemented a shared vision into a resource and referral center covering 10 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. This vision became clear after years of studies that showed what the barriers were to minority and women business growth in this region.



Early financial support from Allegheny County’s Minority Women & Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Department, The Pittsburgh Foundation and Rep. Jake Wheatley Jr., resulted in the creation of the DBRC, and Damiano’s hiring to implement its programs and policies. Four and one-half years after taking the position, Damiano will be honored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as the Region III Women in Business Champion, and the Western Pennsylvania District SBA Women in Business Champion.



Like the other 68 district winners, her nomination was forwarded to her respective regional office -- in this case Region 3, which comprises 7 districts; Delaware, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia – where she became the regional winner.



Damiano said there are three reasons for the information barrier that exists among small business owners. “Organizations struggle to find the money needed to market their programs, the population is too diverse to reach all persons through a marketing blitz and small business owners are too busy growing their business to research what is available to them,” she explained. “We wanted to do something about that barrier and this organization fills the gaps.”



Damiano acknowledges that fund-raising is a continuous challenge. “My top priority is to assist our clients, but I can only continue our work if financial support for the program is maintained,” she stated. “Building relationships with current and potential funders can be time-consuming but it is so critical.”



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Helping people has always been important to Damiano, and attending Duquesne University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in social and public policy, fully prepared her for the challenge.



“I’ve always been fascinated with public policy and how it can be shaped to help people in need,” she explained. “Here I get to implement policies based on a shared vision and know that first and foremost I’m helping small business owners.”



According to Damiano, the majority of her clients have been in business for more than five years and are looking to grow their operation. “They need growth assistance be it through financing, government contracting, tapping new markets, or creating new and retaining jobs,” Damiano stated.



While Damiano doesn’t possess the answers to all of their questions, she has assembled a network of strategic partners since working as a senior business consultant for the state for nine years. “I covered 22 counties for the state and made a lot of connections and I often refer persons to those contacts if I can’t provide an answer,” she said. “The one thing you never will hear me tell a client is ‘We don’t do that…good luck’ and hang-up.”



Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, said that Damiano has partnered with a network of organizations to assist women-owned businesses to grow and succeed. “Most importantly, she has helped women make their dreams come true.” Knoblock said.



Damiano and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be lauded at the Western Pennsylvania SBA May 28th Awards Luncheon which will be held at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 47th annual celebration of National Small Business Week.



“I’m still in shock about winning the local and regional award,” she exclaimed. “I appreciate being recognized for my work, but mostly I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with small business owners. They inspire me daily with their creativity and perseverance.”





Note: If you would like to speak with Christina Damiano or Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, please contact Janet Heyl at 412-395-6560, ext. 103



The U.S. Small Business Administration – helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.



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Winners 2009 Small Business Administration Champion Awards

Winners 2009 SBA Awards

PENNSYLVANIA AND PITTSBURGH DISTRICT AWARD WINNERS
2009 Small Business Persons of the Year (Team)
Paul De La Torre, Chairman/Owner
Edward De La Torre, President/Owner

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence Small Business Development Center

NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND PITTSBURGH DISTRICT AWARD WINNER
Financial Services Champion
Marilyn Landis, President & CEO
Basic Business Concepts, Inc.
Pittsburgh, Pa.

Sponsor: Mary T. McKinney, Ph.D., Director, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center


NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND PITTSBURGH DISTRICT AWARD WINNERS
Small Business Journalist
Joanne Quinn Smith, President
Dreamweaver Marketing Associates
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

Sponsors: The Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners Jill Kummer, NAWBO President, Black Tie Pittsburgh; JoAnn R. Forrester, Empress of Biz, S.I. Business Associates; Jessica Lee, J.D., Entrepreneurial Thursdays, Viveventure, LLC; and, David E. Nelsen, TalkShoe

PITTSBURGH DISTRICT AWARD WINNERS
Woman-Owned Business of the Year
Misty O’Connor, President/Owner
Point Click Learn, Inc.
Erie, PA
Sponsors: Debra L. Steiner, director, Gannon University Small Business Development Center; Jayne H. Huston, director, Seton Hill University E-Magnify; and, Linda L. Stevenson, senior vice president, Women’s Business Development, National City

Women in Business Champion
Linda L. Stevenson, Senior Vice President & SBA Program Manager
National City Bank – Women’s Business Development Program
Erie, PA
Sponsors: Jayne H. Huston, director, Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify; Beth Marcello, vice president & managing supervisor, Women’s Business Development, National City Bank; and, Debra L. Steiner, director, Gannon University Small Business Development Center

Young Entrepreneur
G. Shaun Akers, Funeral Director/Owner
Akers Funeral Chapel

Sponsor: St. Francis University Small Business Development Center

Minority Small Business Champion
Audrey J. Murrell, Ph.D., Director
David Berg Center for Ethics & Leadership
Associate Professor of Business Administration, Psychology & International Affairs
University of Pittsburgh

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence Small Business Development Center

Small Business Exporter
Stuart J. Zarembo, President & CEO
PBM, Inc.
Irwin, PA
Sponsor: Vickie Gyenes, senior market analyst, CGBP, St. Vincent College Small Business Development Center

Jeffrey Buntland Family-Owned Business
Linda Spencer, President, Studio Division
Jessica Spencer, Artistic Director/Vice President, Studio Division
Damon Spencer, President, Stayin’Alive Dancewear Division and Vice President, Studio Divison
The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts, Inc.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Sponsors: University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence Small Business Development Center

SCORE Volunteer of the Year
Lewis Levick, Owner/Manager
Toll Gate Auto Parts
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Sponsor: Barry Lipson, chair, Pittsburgh SCORE Chapter #7