The U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes successful small business owners and champions during its small business week activities each year. 

The Utah District Office is now seeking nominations of outstanding small business owners and advocates for 2012.   This is a great opportunity to give special attention to a small business owner or a small business champion.  For information regarding eligibility and evaluation criteria, please contact Georgia Yoshida, 801-524-3217 or email her at Georgia.yoshida@sba.gov .  All nominations must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the Utah District Office no later than November 2011.

2011 Award Winners

The following were recognized at an awards luncheon on May 9, 2011 at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

Small Business Person of the Year

Andrew Caprio, Monet Medical, Inc.

Financial Services Champion of the Year & Region VIII Winner

Harris Simmons, Zions Bancorporation

Women in Business Champion of the Year & Region VIII Winner

Diana Kirk, Zions First National Bank

Small Business Exporter of the Year & Region VIII Winner

Elend LeBaron, LiquaDry, Inc.

Home-Based Business Champion of the Year & Region VIII Winner

Jay M. Tanner, Box C Guest Ranch

Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year

Scott & Allen Frost, Blue Mountain Meats, Inc.

Minority Small Business Champion of the Year

Gonzalo Palza, Centro de la Familia de Utah

Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year

Johnnie B. Janes, Architect

Small Business Development Center Service Excellence and Innovation Center Award

Lowell Baggaley, Sandy SBDC