NFIB

Contact: Kevin Shivers  (717) 571-0009 or Tanya Neuman (202) 624-1707/1708

Mark Sincavage of Sincavage Corporation, in Blakeslee, Pa., today was presented the state and regional "Small-Business Champion" award by the National Federation of Independent Business during the NFIB 2004 National Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C.  This is th

NFIB President Jack Faris, Mark Sincavage and NFIB Vice President of State Public Policy Steve Woods

e first-ever award presented to small-business activists.

The NFIB Small-Business Champion award program identifies small-business activists in each of the 50 states who have distinguished themselves through their participation in NFIB programs and activities beneficial to the survival of Main Street.  Seven regional winners, including Sincavage, were honored today.  Sincavage was selected from a field of fellow state small-business champions from an 11-state region including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Rhode Island.

"Mark is sought out by elected officials, coalition leaders and others for his ideas, his commitment and his drive," said Kevin Shivers, NFIB/Pennsylvania state director.  "He is a shining example for other members of how the sacrifice of one's time can have a direct, immediate and beneficial effect in their community.  Whether it’s testifying before the legislature, leading a small-business roundtable with local elected officials or getting involved in other activist groups, it’s clear Mark loves his community and is taking an active role in shaping its future."

Back in 1972, Sincavage got a first-hand introduction to small-business advocacy working in his family's industrial land development company.  Members of the state’s largest small-business advocacy group, NFIB, stopped in to discuss Main Street issues with his mom and dad.  Years later as the company's owner, Mark continues his parent’s work and is committed to fighting for issues important to Main Street.

Sincavage serves as the NFIB/Pennsylvania Leadership Council chair and has served on the council since 1997.  He is a charter member of the NFIB Free Enterprise Scholarship Program and annually sponsors  a $1,000 entrepreneurial scholarship in his parent's memory for local high school seniors. Sincavage also is a founding member of NFIB’s Legal Foundation.

"My mom and dad taught me from an early age the importance of standing up for what you believe in, fighting for our small businesses and being committed and supportive of our community.  This award is as much an honor for me as it is for the memory of my parents and the lessons they taught me."