The Blue Ribbon Small Business Award, sponsored by Sam's Club, was designed to honor businesses that excel in a variety of selection criteria, including financial performance and business history, staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and business planning. The award is part of the Chamber's Small Business of the Year selection process.
The Irving FASTSIGNS center was nominated for the award by the Irving Chamber of Commerce. “What a great feeling! We are so proud of our staff for their commitment and willingness to ‘give back’ to our community,” said Jeff Youngblood, who purchased the center in 2005. “To be recognized by the U.S. Chamber for those efforts is quite rewarding.”
"Winners of the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award represent the country's finest small business success stories," said Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. "Small businesses are the backbone of America's economy, representing more than 99% of all employers, creating three-fourths of all new jobs, and accounting for more than one-half of the nation's gross domestic product."
Winners of the award from around the country will be honored at America's Small Business Summit 2008 April 16 - 18, in Washington, D.C. One Blue Ribbon Small Business will be selected from each of seven regions as a finalist for the U.S. Chamber Small Business of the Year Award – and the Irving FASTSIGNS center is in the running for that honor. One of the seven finalists will go on to be named the 2008 Small Business of the Year.
Youngblood encourages other small business to get involved with their local communities and chambers of commerce. It has been a big boost both professionally as well as personally. “Devote the time and effort to deserving projects and causes. It can open doorways to fantastic opportunities. Your local chamber is key to making those connections and introductions.”
Jeff Youngblood and Cory Merchant’s FASTSIGNS center serves the Irving/Las Colinas area. It is located at 4070 N Belt Line Rd., Suite 114, and can be reached by phone at 972-255-2022, fax at 972-570-3111 or on the web at www.fastsigns.com/
