- By Cathy Pokines
- Business & Technology
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From bakeries to manufacturers, restaurants to retailers, 26 successful small businesses representing a full range of products, services and innovations from Upstate New York received awards.
"These businesses may not be big in size, but their contributions to our economy are gigantic," said Bernard J. Paprocki, Syracuse SBA district director. "You rely on them for the products you use and the services you need. Their names are on little league uniforms and their sponsor banners fly high over community events. The businesses we honor are part of the 25 million businesses across the nation that by their success contribute daily to our prosperity."
Taughannock Aviation Corporation of Ithaca (TAC) was nominated for the Excellence in Small Business Award by the Empire State Certified Development Corporation (ESCDC). Their outstanding commitment to expansion within Tompkins County, has helped distinguish this locally based air carrier. Using assistance provided by the Small Business Administration, Tompkins County Trust, and the ESDC, TAC recently replaced their business facility with a new, 9000 square foot building. This building comes in addition to an already existing 25,000 square foot hangar. Taughannock Aviation, whose business consists of; aircraft management, flight charter, air taxis, maintenance and repairs, flies domestic and world-wide, for over 2.7 million miles a year.
The Small Business Excellence Awards ceremony is one of many events in local communities across the nation that celebrates National Small Business Week. Small businesses are the driving force behind America's tremendous growth and job creation. They employ 51 percent of the private-sector workforce -- that’s 57 million Americans! They create two out of three new jobs and produce 51% of the private sector output.
"The entrepreneurial spirit of America is robust and strong, and small businesses are thriving throughout our great nation," said President George W. Bush in his annual Small Business Week proclamation. "The opportunity to own a business is an important part of the American dream. We celebrate small business owners and employees who are willing to take risks and work hard in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families."
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Small Business Administration
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