Puyallup Entrepreneur Named Small Business Champion of the Year
OLYMPIA, Wash., Oct. 20, 2009 – Puyallup entrepreneur Dave Morell was named the Solveras/NFIB Small Business Champion of the Year today.
The honor was conferred upon him by the Washington Leadership Council of the National Federation of Independent Business and Solveras Payment Systems, one of the nation’s leading payment processing companies for small business. Each year, NFIB and Solveras single out a small business owner in all 50 states for special recognition and honor him or her with the prestigious Small Business Champion of the Year award. This is the sixth year America’s leading small business association has recognized small business owners who go the extra mile for their fellow entrepreneurs.
Morell and his wife, Gloria, run multiple businesses: a grouting firm, landscaping and lawn maintenance businesses, a retail nursery, and an outdoor event venue called Rock Creek Gardens (www.rockcreekgardensvenue.com). “In business life, it is all about the passion from within,” says Morell. Running a small business is like life, it is a journey. You adapt to change, sometimes with the tide, sometimes against it. As a business owner, I liken myself to an athlete competing in an ironman race.”
A former state representative, Morell’s civic involvements include co-chairman of the government affairs committee for the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce, financial partner of the Pierce County Economic Development Board, and a member of Argus Manor, a 62-unit senior housing project of the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.
“Dave has been our go-to spokesperson for NFIB on small business issues for the past year,” said Patrick Connor, NFIB/Washington state director. “Not once has he said no, even when he needed to rearrange his business day to accommodate us. When he was nominated as vice chairman of our leadership council this year, he did not even hesitate in his response, ‘Whatever NFIB needs.’ Dave’s advice and counsel during the last legislative session was invaluable. He helped all small business owners in the state on a number of issues. He was willing to call lawmakers and would visit them for encouragement during their difficult session.” Morell can be reached for comment at 253-845-4555.
Last year’s winner was Diana Wilhite of Spokane Valley; in 2007, the award went to Curtis Fackler of Spokane; in 2006, to Chuck Mott of Edmonds; in 2005 to Betty Neighbors of Everett; and in 2004 to Scottie Marable of Bellevue.
[Photo from left to right, past and current Small Business Champions Curtis Fackler, Diana Wilhite, Dave Morell, Betty Neighbors, Scottie Marable, and Chuck Mott.]
2009 Solveras/NFIB Washington Small Business Champion of the Year Dave Morell
