The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is holding its annual Small Business Awards Luncheon in celebration of “Small Business Week 2004!”  The local luncheon will take place May 12, 2004, at The University of Texas-Pan American Annex from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Through this reception, the U.S. SBA acknowledges the efforts and successes of small business owners and their financial partners and advisors in the South Texas.

 “The U.S. SBA awards week is a ‘small token of appreciation’ for individuals who have worked very diligently as entrepreneurs; it is a time designated to show our indebtedness to the small business owner, the backbone of our economy,” says Jose A. Leal, Project Director of The University of Texas-Pan American’s (UTPA) Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

 Because small businesses are so important to the U.S. economy, the U.S. SBA recognizes the ties which promote success in entrepreneurship. At the luncheon, SBA will salute small business entrepreneurs and recognize the efforts of several small business champions from South Texas.

 Recognitions will go to individuals whose success is an inspiration to the small business community. Ms. Rosanna Rodriguez-Ferguson from South Texas Vo-Tech will be recognized by the U.S. SBA as the Small Business Person of the Year for the state as well as the district levels. Robert W. Becquet, Sr., Coastal Deli, Inc., will be recognized as Entrepreneurial Success.

The U.S. SBA will also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of individuals who help entrepreneurs on their path to success. These individuals promote their community by providing assistance to small business owners. Ms. Diana M.H. Song, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, will be recognized as the Women in Business Champion of the Year. Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz will be recognized as Veteran Champion of the Year. Douglas Bartley will be recognized as SCORE Champion of the Year. Wayne C. Meyr, American Bank, N.A., will be recognized ad Financial Services Champion of the Year. Cynthia Sakulenzki and Annette G. Wilemon, McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will be recognized as Minority Small Business Champions of the Year. Maria D. Juarez will be recognized as the SBDC Counselor of the Year. This year Sylvia Zamponi, District Director of the U.S. SBA office in Harlingen, Texas, will present Mr. Lupe Torres with a special District Director’s Choice award.

 The UTPA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) are hosting this year’s SBA Awards Luncheon.  Also sponsoring the event are local Rio Grande Valley banks and resource partners that support and promote small businesses.

 Congratulations to the U.S. SBA’s 2004 District Award Winners!