CONTACTS: John Reid/Chris Gindlesperger
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS

 

December 18, 2007

  

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications and nominations for "America's Small Business of the Year Award."  The award will be presented at a gala dinner during "America's Small Business Summit 2008" to be held April 16–18, 2008, in Washington, D.C.

"This award is a great opportunity for some of the nation's small companies to showcase their unique characteristics, regional contributions and business success on a national scale," said U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue.  "Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and we should recognize when these companies do something extraordinary." 

 

The "America's Small Business of the Year" award pays tribute to the small business community and honors those businesses from across the United States that demonstrate outstanding entrepreneurship and good corporate citizenship.  Small business applicants must have fewer than 250 employees, gross revenue of less than $10 million in 2006, and have the ability to attend America's Small Business Summit 2008 in order to be eligible for the award.

Applicants will be evaluated on their financial performance and business history; staff training and motivation, community involvement, community service, and business plan or strategy for growth.  Companies that demonstrate excellence and commitment to customers, employees, and the community will receive the "U.S. Chamber Blue Ribbon Small Business Award."  Seven regional finalists will be selected from the Blue Ribbon winners, and one regional finalist will become America's Chamber Small Business of the Year for 2008. 

The application, nomination forms, and additional information on America's Small Business Summit 2008 are available online at www.uschambersummit.com.  The deadline for applications and nominations is February 8, 2008. 

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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