FARGO – Shannon Gangl, owner and CEO of the Best Western Seven Seas Hotel & Water Park in Mandan, has been selected as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2011 North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year. This annual award recognizes exceptional business owners who demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit in starting and growing a successful business. Nominated by the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce, Gangl was selected following a statewide competition.

Gangl began his career in the hotel’s kitchen, a teenager washing dishes after school and he continued to work at various jobs at the Seven Seas while in college. His work ethic and abilities afforded him multiple promotions and he became the hotel’s general manager at the age of 25 and the sole owner at the age of 34.

The growth in sales that the hotel has achieved since Gangl became the owner has allowed the completion of several upgrades including the addition of a water park, extra meeting rooms and a larger ballroom. With these additions and expansions, the hotel’s leisure customer business has more than doubled and the special event/banquet business is also increasing. This growth has allowed them to add 90 more employees since Gangl became the owner.

Gangl will be among the nation’s top entrepreneurs honored at the SBA’s National Small Business Week events May 18-20 in Washington, D.C.

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In recognition of the small business community’s contribution to the American economy and society, the President of the United States designates one week each year as National Small Business Week. This year it is May 16-20, 2011. Leading up to that week, the U.S. Small Business Administration presents awards honoring the nation’s entrepreneurs and small business champions.

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