The U.S. Small Business Administration announces Wilkes University Small Business Development Center as the recipient of its 2023 Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award.
SBA’s Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business Awards winners are selected from among nominees located across Pennsylvania’s eastern 40 counties. The local recognition is part of the annual Presidentially designated National Small Business Week taking place from April 30 to May 6, 2023.
“For more than 60 years, we have celebrated National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. We applaud the achievements of small businesses and the organizations that assist them,” said SBA Eastern Pennsylvania District Director Steven Dixel. “It’s an honor to present these awards. Each business is exceptional and deserving of recognition as they have grown their business, created jobs, demonstrated resiliency, and contributed to the growth of their local communities and the economy.”
Eastern Pennsylvania District Small Business Week Award winners include:
Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award: Wilkes University Small Business Development Center, located in Wilkes-Barre; Director Dorothy Lane; nominated by Dr. Ernie Post, State Director, Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers Network.
Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business Person of the Year: Jimmy Olang, President, The Brothers That Just Do Gutters Lehigh Valley, located in Allentown; nominated by Marie Shires, Vice President, Seedcopa.
Pennsylvania Exporter of the Year: Grovara, located in Philadelphia; CEO Abu Kamara.
Eastern Pennsylvania Entrepreneurial Success of the Year Award: Crest Haven Farm Market, located in Danville; Co-owners Shawn Snyder and Scott Keefer; nominated by Denny Hummer, Assistant Director, and Steve Stumbris, Director, Bucknell University Small Business Development Center.
Eastern Pennsylvania District Family-Owned Small Business of the Year: Unique Snacks, located in Reading; Vice President/COO Justin M. Spannuth and Vice President /CFO William P. Spannuth; nominated by Martin Brill, Coordinator, Ag Center of Excellence, Penn State University Small Business Development Center.
Eastern Pennsylvania District Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year: TWB Cleaning Contractors, located in Philadelphia; President Trina Worrell-Benjamin; nominated by Cherrill Wilson, Senior Associate Director, Temple University Small Business Development Center.
Eastern Pennsylvania District Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year; Experience Chiropractic, located in Wayne; Founder/CEO Dr. Brandie Elizabeth Keates; nominated by Sarah Barnard, Strategic Assistant, Experience Chiropractic.
Eastern Pennsylvania District Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: rockITdata, located in Philadelphia; Founder/CEO Marlene R. Andersch.
Eastern Pennsylvania District Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Taylor Chip, located in Lancaster; Co-owners Douglas A. Taylor and Sara E. Taylor; nominated by Richard Hendricks and Louis Davenport, Counselors, Lancaster SCORE Chapter.
During National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes and awards outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from around the country. Additionally, recognition and educational events throughout SBA’s 68 District Offices will be held in the month of May.
For interviews or additional information, contact Sonia Smith at sonia.smith@sba.gov.
