Mr. Thomas Saia, President of Iroquois Bar Corporation in Buffalo, New York has been named the Regional Minority Small Business Person of the Year for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Region II.  He has been acknowledged this award for his outstanding contributions and personal achievements to our economy.

Iroquois Bar Corporation located at 155 Commerce Drive in Buffalo, NY, provides a complete set of construction-related services, such as trucking services for hauling construction materials, supplying redi-mix concrete, rebar installation and general contracting to its customer base.  Saia established his company in 1999 conquering obstacles in the development of quality products, competition, and employee recruitment.  Today, the company has over 60 employees.  Saia was able to grow his business with the assistance of SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program.

“SBA is dedicated to increase our outreach and support to minority business communities,” said Mr. Jorge Silva-Puras, SBA Regional Administrator for Region II.  “We are excited to recognize entrepreneurs who have achieved great success, and to continue to offer training opportunities and programs to help small businesses succeed.”

"I am pleased that the SBA has played a role in Mr. Saia’s growth and prosperity,” said
Franklin J. Sciortino, Director of the SBA Buffalo District Office.  “Iroquois Bar Corporation is a successful small business that has created jobs and is making a contribution to the state’s economy.”

Mr. Saia will be honored on October 10 at the National 8(a) Training, Business Matchmaking and Awards Ceremony Washington, D.C.  Thomas Saia will also receive his District award October 31. 

Small business owners can find out about federal contracting opportunities by visiting www.fedbizopps.gov.  Or, for more information, please contact your local SBA Buffalo district office at (716) 551-4301 or visit us online at www.sba.gov/ny/buffalo .

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