For Release: May 29, 2003
Contact: John McDowell (202) 205-6941
john.mcdowell@sba.gov
SBA Number: 03-30 ADVO
William Wilson Named National Small Business Exporter Of The Year
President, Wilson Forest Products, Jefferson, Pennsylvania
WASHINGTON, D.C. Mr. William Wilson, president of Wilson Forest Products of Jefferson, Pa., has been named the National Small Business Exporter of the Year by the Office of Advocacy of the SBA. He received the award for his outstanding advocacy efforts on behalf of small business exporters.
"William Wilsons success shows that American small business can compete worldwide," said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. "The quality of Wilson Forest Products barrels from Keystone Cooperage are the reason that 99 percent of their sales are overseas. By aggressively pursuing exports, he has created over 50 jobs in the heart of Southern Pennsylvanias Appalachian region. Thats a model that other small businesses should follow," he said.
The award is given to an individual who owns and operates a small business engaged in exporting. Evaluation criteria include increased sales, profits and/or growth of employment because of exporting, creative overseas marketing strategies, effective solutions to export-related problems, and demonstrated encouragement of other small businesses to become exporters.
The Office of Advocacy annual awards include Entrepreneurial Success, Financial Services Advocate, Home-Based Business Advocate, Minority Small Business Advocate, Research Advocate, SBA Young Entrepreneur, Small Business Exporter, Small Business Journalist, Veteran Small Business Advocate, and Women in Business Advocate.
National Advocate award winners will be honored during the National Entrepreneurship Conference & Expo, held September 15-20, 2003, in Washington, D.C.
The Office of Advocacy examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to Congress and the President. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats and it funds research into small business issues. For more information and a bio of the winner, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.
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Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsels efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.