Release Date: May 10, 2006
Contact: Dianne Barlar, Marketing Director (850.473.7809 or dbarlar@uwf.edu)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Florida Small Business Development Center Network Recognized
Senator Bill Nelson with the 2006 Small Business Dividend$ Award

Pensacola, FL: Jerry Cartwright, the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDCN) State Director, presented the 2006 Small Business Dividend$ Award to Senator Bill Nelson at the Network’s annual Capital Reception. The reception, held April 26 in the Rayburn Building, is an annual opportunity to publicly recognize one of Florida's finest advocates for small business in Washington DC. This year the attendees also celebrated the Network's 30th Anniversary.

"With over thirty years of proven support of Florida's small business, Senator Nelson is extremely deserving of this award," said Cartwright.

A fifth generation Floridian, with over three decades of public service for Florida, Senator Nelson's many accomplishments are widely recognized as supportive of entrepreneurs and small business success. His record clearly supports that priority. The Senator's efforts in support of full funding for the national SBDC program and the 7(a) loan program; tax credit incentives for small businesses that offer health insurance for employees and for those that employ national guardsmen; along with his work to eliminate the estate tax on family farms and small businesses, are outstanding. Furthermore, he is an advocate for the needs of small business following devastating hurricanes in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. In short, his legislative sponsorship, advocacy support and votes are truly significant.

 
"I was pleased to be recognized by the Florida Small Business Development Center Network recently," says Nelson. "The FSBDCN presented me with its Dividend$ Award for 'voices and votes' in support of small business. It was an honor to join the list of past recipients that includes Senator Bob Graham and Florida Representative Bill Young.

Throughout the reception, the state director, regional SBDC directors—representing the 32 SBDC centers and offices in Florida—and other partners in economic development, met with the Florida Delegation, their staffs, and various partner organizations and agencies to ensure the efficacy of the public’s investment in the FSBDCN. Cartwright noted, "Our network believes it is important to share the impact of federal funding on the Florida economy, the small business community in particular, and the impact on each member's district." He wants his partners and important guests to know the return of every dollar invested in Florida's small business.

The event provided a unique and exciting way to publicly recognize the Senator's support of small business and the Florida economy; an opportunity to brief the delegates, their staff and many other partner organizations and agencies regarding the impact of federal funds on the Florida economy; and networking. The most unique element of the event is the Network's acknowledgement of a Floridian whose service has included strong support of small business issues. Past award winners include: Ander Crenshaw 2004, Bob Graham 2003, Bill Young 2002, Connie Mack 2001, and Andy Ireland 2000.

For additional information about the award or event, please contact Dianne Barlar at 850.473.7809 or at dbarlar@uwf.edu.



The Florida Small Business Development Center Network is a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with assistance enabling overall growth and increased profitability that contributes to the economic prosperity of the state. For more information about the FSBDCN, visit our website at www.FloridaSBDC.com.


Florida SBDC Network
State Director's Office
University of West Florida
401 E Chase St, Ste 100
Pensacola, FL  32502
850.473.7800 / f 850.473.7813
fsbdc@uwf.edu / www.FloridaSBDC.com