UC Merced SBDC regional office announces 2015 Small Business Award Winners

Jay Thompson, lead consultant for Small Business Development Center (SBDC), writes: Buddy and Nikki Cummings, and Harvey Stephens are being awarded the "Outstanding Business of the Year" award for World Wind & Solar, Tehachapi. This isn't given out every year and is truly reserved for outstanding businesses. Following is the press release from SBDC (emphasis added):

Fresno, CA - On May 6, 2015, the University of California, Merced Small Business Development Center Regional Network (UC Merced SBDC) will honor five small business owners from throughout the fourteen county region who embody America's entrepreneurial spirit at a special event in Fresno, Calif.

Every year, since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, highlighting the important contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. The UC Merced SBDC is proud to recognize area business owners who personify the spirit of this concept.

This year's UC Merced SBDC Network's award winners are: World Wind & Solar, Tehachapi; Aqua Cents Water Management LLC, Fresno; Innovation Commercial Flooring, Fresno; Gopher Grabbers, Lemoore; and SLO Safe Ride, San Luis Obispo. "These innovative business owners have 'stepped out of the mold' to achieve success as well as making a difference in their communities. We are very pleased to honor and celebrate their accomplishments," said Diane Howerton, Regional Director for the UC Merced SBDC Network.

The awards will be presented during the Small Business Recognition Program on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, Fresno Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 2233 Ventura Street, Fresno, CA 93721. The keynote guest speaker will be Michael Gerber, author of the New York Times Best Seller, The E Myth Revisited, and creator of The Dreaming Room: Design, Build, Launch & Grow.™

As we recognize this year's award winners, the 2014 UC Merced SBDC Network would like to highlight some results that demonstrate the significant economic impact of The University of California, Merced Small Business Development Center Regional program on regional businesses. The Network leadership and consulting team assisted 1,567 clients, with 2,154 entrepreneurs participating in training events throughout the year. In addition, new equity capital invested and new loans for SBDC clients totaled more than $20 million, with 107 new businesses started, and 835 jobs created and/or retained.