04/22/2003
CONTACT: Michelle Bolton (602) 263-7690
Hard Work and Dedication to Small-Business Concerns Key to Award
ARIZONA, April 22, 2003 -- Phoenix business owner and NFIB/Arizona activist Sandy Abalos has been selected as the 2003 Small-Business Person of the Year by the Arizona office of the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Chosen because of her tireless dedication to small-business concerns and her efforts to educate lawmakers about those concerns, Abalos will compete with business leaders in 49 other states to receive the nationwide honor.
NFIB/Arizona State Director Michelle Bolton praised Abalos for the work she does on behalf of small businesses. "While actively running and operating her business, she finds time to make her voice heard at the state Legislature, with state media organizations and other small-business owners," said Bolton. "Sandy is a leader in the community, and she understands that although she may be busy running her business, meeting with lawmakers about small-business concerns is time well spent."
Bolton said Abalos is truly dedicated to the small-business community. "I was honored to nominate her," said Bolton. "She deserves this recognition because no matter how busy she is, she often volunteers to testify before the state Legislature, discuss small-business concerns with media organizations, participate in news conferences and work to get other small-business owners more involved. NFIB/Arizona is proud she is one of our members. She truly is a pillar in the small-business community."
Abalos owns Abalos & Associates, P.C., a full-service CPA firm employing nine people.
