Rep. Clay Doggett (Pulaski), an NFIB member, on Aug. 25 presented a resolution honoring Ben and Lauren Neale for being named the Small Business Administration’s Rural Small Business of the Year. The recognition was made at the Neale’s farm near Lynnville. Read the resolution here.

The Neales own Light Hill Meats Custom Processing, an NFIB member business with a retail store in Spring Hill. They also are members through another business, Total Cattle Solutions, their farm in Giles County.

In presenting its award to Light Hill Meats, the SBA said:

“Benjamin Neale has grown the family enterprise into an integrated farm-to-table beef business with a deep commitment to the community. Today the operation includes a cow-calf herd, a USDA-inspected processing facility (cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats) and a retail butcher shop serving families across Middle Tennessee. Neale is a leader in the industry who cares deeply about positively impacting the lives of his employees as well as giving back to the community.”

NFIB State Director Jim Brown said, “I want to thank Representative Doggett, who is a great friend of small business, for working fast at the end of session to get this resolution done.

“The Neales truly run a family business, as their daughters often help out at the store with customer service. They are very deserving of these recognitions for all they do for their community, including raising awareness for autism, sober living and other causes,” Brown said.

“Lauren and I enjoy being NFIB members and appreciate the organization for all it does to make Tennessee a great state to own and run our businesses,” Ben Neale said. “We’re looking forward to more growth, innovation and hiring and having a greater impact on the communities we serve.”