The Association of Artisan Businesses Awards Business Grants to Three Outstanding Artisans

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul 01, 2009 -
CLEVELAND, OHIO, June 29, 2009: The Association of Artisan Businesses (AAB) is pleased to announce the award of three business grants to three exceptional artisans.  These grants enable member artisans to continue expanding their businesses by providing funds to purchase materials, pay rent, prepare for exhibitions, and other related expenses.

Twice a year, grants are presented to outstanding members who have demonstrated how they are furthering the work of their individual businesses, as well as contributing to their respective communities.

The AAB’s Grant Distribution Committee convened several times over the last few months to review and evaluate grant applications.  The selection process was challenging with many top-notch candidates to choose from. On June 26, 2009, the following three grant recipients were chosen:

Herbal Art- Fishers, Indiana
Herbal Art hand crafts bath and body products using all natural and organic ingredients. Herbal Art was chosen for utilizing local media to spread the word of artisan businesses, and for taking a successful business to the next level through targeted marketing and promotion.
Brian Paffen owns and operates Herbal Art.
Award:  $2,000

Beacon Bath & Bubble- Beacon, New York
Beacon Bubble & Bath was chosen for successfully maintaining the operations of two artisan businesses, and for contributing a portion of company profits to local elementary schools through fundraising.
Brenda Murnane owns and operates Beacon Bath & Bubble.
Award:  $2,000

Toa Kazi- Washington, DC
Toa Kazi was chosen for creating an after school program with local elementary school girls that nurture the spirit of entrepreneurship and promote self esteem. The program is free for all participants.
Khali Northington owns and operates Toa Kazi.
Award:  $2,000

Funding for AAB grants are provided through association vendor dues. The Association of Artisan Businesses would like to thank the following association vendor members for their participation:  Columbus Foods (www.columbusfoods.com), Milky Way Molds (www.milkywaymolds.com), Rustic Escentuals (www.rusticescentuals.com), Smell No Evil, Ltd. (www.northcoastcandle.com), and Wholesale Supplies Plus (www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com).

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About the Association of Artisan Businesses:

The Association of Artisan Businesses (www.artisanbusinesses.org) is a national non-partisan, professional organization whose mission is to assist individual artisans in reaching their full business potential while also promoting awareness of the artisan industry to the public, government agencies and elected officials.

For further information visit www.artisanbusinesses.org or contact Jill Speegle at
memberservices@artisanbusiness.org, 1-800-542-6183.