Kanjorski Applauds Local Businesswoman for Receiving National, State Awards

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today met with Daisy Gallagher of Gallagher and Gallagher, a public relations firm based in Monroe County, to congratulate her on being named one of the top five women in small business in the United States by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Mrs. Gallagher was also named one of the Best 50 Women in Business in the State of Pennsylvania by the Department of Economic and Community Development.

"I applaud Mrs. Gallagher on these awards and the great success she has had with her company. To be named one of the top five in the entire nation is a tremendous accomplishment. Mrs. Gallagher epitomizes the American entrepreneurial spirit that is the bedrock of our nation. I am pleased that the Small Business Administration recognizes the important contributions of our nation's small business owners toward economic development and community growth," Congressman Kanjorski said.

Mrs. Gallagher said both awards are an extreme honor. "It's a privilege, especially being from Pennsylvania myself and then being able to work within an area that I love. To provide jobs there and to grow my company there has been an honor, and government contracting has enabled me to do that," she said.

Mrs. Gallagher started her business in 1990. The company expanded to open offices in New York City, Washington and Scranton.

When Monroe County was in danger of losing its HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) designation in 2004, Mrs. Gallagher was among a number of concerned individuals who sought help from Congressman Kanjorski. The HUBZone Program uses federal contract awards to promote economic development and employment opportunities in designated areas. HUBZone designations give companies an automatic bonus when competing for federal contracts. Congressman Kanjorski successfully urged the SBA to extend Monroe County's designation until 2010.

"These awards underscore the importance of HUBZone designations. Without such a program, Mrs. Gallagher might not have been able to maintain her company," Congressman Kanjorski added. 

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