03/14/2008
CONTACT: Troy Nichols, 360-786-8675 or Tony Malandra, 415-664-9685
National Federation of Independent Business honors Diana Wilhite of Safeguard Business Systems
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- America's leading small business association today named Spokane Valley Councilwoman Diana Wilhite its Washington Small Business Champion of the Year.
The honor was conferred upon her by the Washington Leadership Council of the National Federation of Independent Business. Each year, NFIB singles out a small business owner in all 50 states for special recognition and honors him or her with its prestigious Small Business Champion of the Year award. This is the fifth year the national group has recognized small business owners who go the extra mile for their fellow entrepreneurs. Last year's winner was Curtis Fackler of Spokane. In 2006, it went to Chuck Mott of Edmonds. Betty Neighbors won the award in 2005 and Scottie Marable in 2004.
"The most important capital a small business owner has is his or her time, and Diana Wilhite is extremely generous of hers toward the betterment of her fellow entrepreneurs," said Troy Nichols, NFIB/Washington state director. "The NFIB/Washington Leadership Council is stacked with individuals who are very active and involved, so standing out among them is not an easy thing to do."
Wilhite and her husband, Rick, purchased a Safeguard Business Systems distributorship in 1981. Since that time, they have added a promotional products component to their core printing of business forms, growing the company from 111 customers to more than 3,500 small businesses today. "Learning how to effectively manage cash flow and the finances of a small business has made it possible for me to exercise a great deal of financial restraint as Mayor of Spokane Valley with regard to city expenditures," said Wilhite, who was elected to the Spokane Valley City Council in 2002 and served rotation terms as Deputy Mayor, 2002 to 2004, and Mayor from 2004 to the beginning of 2008.
For NFIB/Washington, Wilhite serves on its Leadership Council, is a generous supporter of all its foundations, and -- most importantly of all -- testifies, writes letters, and speaks to the media on behalf of its small business agenda and members. In addition to this award, Wilhite has been honored in the past by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce as the Harry E. Nelson Outstanding Citizen of the Year, by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a Woman in Business Advocate of the Year, and by the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce with its Outstanding Community Service Award. A sampling of her many charitable involvements includes membership in the Spokane County United Way, service on the Spokane Area Workforce Development Council, and the Washington State 4-H Board. She is also is a graduate of Leadership Spokane. Wilhite can be reached for comment at 509-534-9001.
