03/22/2006
CONTACT: Mandy Minick, (614) 221-4107
Local entrepreneur exemplifies commitment to small-business issues
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota's largest small-business advocacy group, the National Federation of Independent Business, today presented the "Small-Business Champion" award to Mary Hazzard, owner of Business AdvantEdge, Inc. in Stillwater.
The NFIB Small-Business Champion award program identifies a small-business activist in each of the 50 states. These small-business owners have distinguished themselves through their involvement and participation in NFIB programs and activities that promote the issues important to Minnesota's small businesses. Five regional winners will be honored at the 2006 National Small-Business Summit in Washington, D.C., June 18-20.
"Mary is a leading businesswoman who has devoted her time and efforts to championing the cause of small-business in Minnesota for almost two decades," said NFIB/Minnesota state director Mike Hickey. "She's provided leadership to this organization by serving on our state's Leadership Council, chairing her local Area Action Council and participating as a small-business advocate at the Legislature. The impact of her work to create a supportive environment for small businesses is evident from St. Paul all the way to Washington, D.C."
"I recognized early in my career that small businesses created jobs and goodwill in a community, and provided the best customer service on a consistent basis. On a micro or local level, they were the glue that held commerce, schools, neighborhoods, and even families together. On a macro, or national, level. they were the jobs engines that fueled growth in the economy," Hazzard said. "I joined NFIB because I wanted more exposure to other small-business owners outside my own industry. Being a member has provided me with an outlet for volunteerism and political activism while also educating me on small-business issues. Receiving an award from this organization means a great deal to me and my business. I look forward to continuing to work with NFIB well into the future."
Hazzard owns Business AdvantEdge, Inc., that serves as a resource for other small- to medium-sized entrepreneurial businesses and non-profit trade associations. She started Business AdvantEdge in 1998 to coordinate purchasing discounts and business-to-business services for member companies.
