CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), joined by Small Business Administration (SBA) WV District Office officials, is honoring clients who received 2023 Small Business Week Awards.
“The WV SBDC is very proud of the success of all of our clients and the vital role that small business plays in our economy. We are honored to play a part in recognizing the great work these award winners are doing in WV and pledge to continue working to support small business growth and success across our great state.”, said Steve D. Johnson, State Director of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center.
The West Virginia district winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 3 at the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center in Fairmont, WV. “The West Virginia economy depends so much on small businesses,” said SBA WV District Director Karen Friel. “I look forward to taking the opportunity to honor some of the best of the best at our awards ceremony this spring.”
Kreinik Mfg Co Inc. was awarded state and regional honors as SBA’s West Virginia Small Business Exporter of the Year and Mid-Atlantic Small Business Exporter of the Year. Doug Kreinik, company owner and president, will accept the awards.
“I met Doug in 2016 when he was named the SBA WV Small Business Week District Family-Owned Small Business of the year,” noted Friel. “Since that time, I have seen him utilize multiple SBA’s programs and services, like the Emerging Leaders and State Trade Expansion Programs, to sustain and grow his business, even during the pandemic.”
Award recipients are listed below.
2022 National Small Business Person of the Year Award
Anthony and Heather Wheeler of Paris Signs in Huntington received the 2023 National Small Business Person of the Year Award.
Small Business Exporter of the Year
Doug Kreinik of Kreinik Mfg Co Inc. in Parkersburg
Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
Angie Cowger of Custard Stand Chili (CSC)/ The Custard Stand (TCS) in Webster Springs
Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
Anne Perella of A & J Sewing Studio LLC in Morgantown
WV SBDC is an accredited member of America’s SBDC, a federal partner with the SBA, and a division of the WV Department of Economic Development.
WV SBDC business coaches have professional certifications ranging from exporting, innovation, technology and economic development, to finance, management, marketing and entrepreneurship.
For information about starting a small business in WV and resources for entrepreneurs, visit wvsbdc.com.
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