National Small Business Week 2017 – Indianapolis, IN

Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Stacy Poynter. I'm the Small Business Administration's District Director here in the state of Indiana. Thank you for joining us here today as we celebrate National Small Business Week and the work of all these great small businesses from around the state. I would like to start by thanking the Governor and Lieutenant Governor for all their support and for their wonderful teams at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Indiana Small Business Development Centers. Without their outstanding effort, this event would not be possible. Can we give them all a round of applause?

Please.

I also want to sincerely thank all of our co sponsors for their support of Small Business Week. If you haven't had a chance, I hope you get to go visit them out here to your right or my left. And they're here to meet with you today. And we thank them for their financial support for Small Business Week. I'm very fortunate as the District Director to serve the small businesses and future entrepreneurs in this state. Every day, the SBA partners with many different resources, including other federal, state and local agencies, as well as non profit organizations to deliver small business assistance. We are thankful to have several elected and state local officials in attendance today. Also, although they could not be here in person, many federal elected officials have sent staff members to be with us today. So thank you to the staffs from Representatives Banks, Brooks, Bouchon, Carson and Hollingsworth for being with us today. Senators Donnelly and Young also have staff in attendance and in fact, the Senators have sent us their video welcome as well. So look at these screens. We have the messages from Senator Young and Senator Donnelly.

Hello and Happy Small Business Week. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to join you in person today, but I'm very glad that our great Small Business Administrator, Linda. Sorry I couldn't be there to join you in person today, but I'm very glad that our great Small business administrator, Linda McMahon could be with you. What a testament to Hoosier small businesses that she's choosing this week in particular to be in Indiana. Small businesses are drivers of our local economies, but they're also an integral part of our local communities. And that in particular is true in our home state of Indiana. I know many of you not only provide great job opportunities for Hoosiers, but you also go out of your way to serve our community. And I want to thank you. Finally, I'd like to extend my congratulations to this year's winners of the SBA and EDGE Awards. You're all a big part of why Indiana continues to be a great place to do Business. Thanks to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation for hosting this event, and thanks again to all our great small business owners. Have a great time today.

Hello, I'm Senator Joe Donnelly. I'm sorry I can't be with you. In Indianapolis today for the Small business administrations 54th Annual National Small Business Week and the Indiana Small Business Development Center's EDGE Awards Luncheon, I want to take a moment to recognize the Small Business Administration, our small businesses, our entrepreneurial owners, and our dedicated workers who contribute so much to communities large and small across our beloved state. Small businesses are the engine of Indiana's and our nation's economic growth, driving job creation and opportunity in many industries, including manufacturing, health care and agriculture. Indiana has more than a half million small businesses that employ nearly half of our state's workforce. Beyond the numbers, though, our small businesses are critical to Indiana's economic success, allowing Hoosier families to have good jobs, raise their children, and retire with dignity. Our small businesses give working families the opportunity to achieve the American dream. As someone who once ran a small business, I understand how important our small businesses are to our communities and the unique challenges that we face. In the Senate, I'll continue working to ensure small businesses have opportunities and resources to grow and expand. I was deeply humbled to have received awards from the business community over the past year, including the Spirit of Enterprise award from the U.S. chamber of Commerce, the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Legislative Excellence Award from the national association of Manufacturers. These awards are a reflection of our work together and the important feedback that all of you provide me as I work to best serve Hoosiers. I'm the hired help. I work for you, and if there's ever anything I can do, please don't hesitate to contact our office. I look forward to continuing this amazing partnership. God bless you, God bless Indiana, and may God bless America.

Administrator McMahon serves as the 25th Administrator of the U.S. small Business Administration. As a member of President Trump's Cabinet, she advocates on behalf of 28 million small small businesses in America. An entrepreneur and business leader herself, Administrator McMahon is co founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Women's Leadership Live, a company that educates women to launch and expand their own businesses, advance their careers toward executive roles, and pursue opportunities in leadership and public service. Administrator McMahon is also co founder and former Chief Executive Officer of WWE in Stamford, Connecticut. She helped grow WWE from a small regional operation to a publicly traded global enterprise with more than 800 employees worldwide. Please join me in welcoming SBA Administrator Linda McMahon.

Well, you can tell how proud I am to be in Speedway today, right? I'm going to give you a look.

At the back of this jacket, too.

From the moment I got this about a half an hour ago, I said, I'm not taking this off for the rest of the day. I'm waiting till the luncheon. I'm going to have it on when I give my speech. It really is truly a pleasure to be here. Thank you all for your hospitality and being so welcoming. This is SBA's first destination since leaving Washington on our coast to Coast National Small Business Week road trip. And what better place for a pit stop than in Speedway, Indiana? We're so excited to be traveling across America in recognition of the contributions small businesses make to the local economies and the jobs they create. Two out of every three net new jobs in this country. That's amazing. Two out of three net new jobs. National Small Business Week recognizes the innovators who take a risk on an idea, invest in their communities and create jobs. Their skills and creativity not only support their families, they make our neighborhoods, neighborhoods like Speedway and Indianapolis Mass. Avenue, vibrant places to live and work and fuel our nation's economic strength. We at SBA want to get more entrepreneurs like Joey Rivera, Indiana's Small Business Person of the Year, on track. Whether they are starting up or scaling up, the SBA has the resources to accelerate their success right here in Indiana. Indiana brands itself as the state that works. Indiana has more than half a million small businesses and they employ approximately half of the state workforce, or 1.2 million people. In fact, 99.4% of the businesses in Indiana are small businesses. The SBA is focused on supporting small businesses in Indiana with access to capital opportunities in government contracting, counseling and mentoring, guidance and lending for exporting, and assistance with economic recovery when a disaster strikes. We are streamlining processes so small businesses can start, grow and succeed. Indiana is making that happen, too. In the last year, the state launched nbis, a portal that connects businesses to multiple areas of government, including the Secretary of State, the Department of Workforce Development, and Department of Revenue Services, and facilitates the process for starting a new or expanding a business. In Indianapolis, a similar portal is available via Open Counter Indy and the Indy Chamber launched an economic development plan, Accelerate Indy. I think I might have to steal that word, Accelerate. Something that includes a focus on helping existing companies and startups expand locally and do business globally. I am so proud to be here to recognize the terrific work done by the SBA's Indiana District Office.

Thank you.

Thank you, Stacey and your staff. Let me acknowledge just a few of its achievements. In fiscal year 2016, it guaranteed approximately 1500 loans and supported more than $640 million in lending. The loans were distributed across several industries including accommodations and food services, manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade. Indiana has 11 SBDCs and 10 score chapters. Specific underserved audience are assisted by two SBA funded women's Business Centers in the state and a Michigan based Veterans Business Opportunity center that serves Indiana residents. Also in fiscal year 16, 2016, Indiana's score chapters supported the creation of more than 340 new businesses and created or retained nearly 400 new jobs. In total, they assisted nearly 3,000 small business owners. Also, the Indiana SBDCs counseled and trained more than 5,500 small business owners, created or retained nearly 600 jobs in Indiana, infused $70 million of capital and created nearly 240 businesses. That is amazing. Also yes, Bob. In addition, 566 million was awarded to small businesses in Indiana through more than 2,365 federal contracts. I'd also like to recognize the Indiana Economic Development Corporation which hosts the state's SBA funded Indiana Small Business Development Centers. They support the formation, growth and sustainability of Indiana's small businesses by providing entrepreneurs expert guidance and access to a full network of resources. Its Economic Development and Growth through Entrepreneurship or EDGE Awards celebrate small businesses who work hard each day to grow Indiana's economy. The Federal and State Partnership shines through with their success and its coordination and with us on National Small Business Week event and our Indiana District Awards. I want to thank you for that. The work you are doing is generating results. It's evident in the economic development Right here in Speedway. The racing industry is dominated by small business owners. From the racing teams to the resource providers to those who even feed the fans, the town has captured millions of dollars in new investments and infrastructure improvements in the last 10 years and has created vibrant development districts with with small businesses supported by the sba. And I'm going to be taking a little walk around and seeing some of those businesses later today. Speedway is home to headquarters of several racing teams, Speedway indoor karting, Dallara's IndyCar factory, Wilcox Environmental Engineering and a growing craft beer scene. Hmm, maybe some samples might be around for that. Two newly opened businesses have accessed capital via SBA, 504 loans, Speedway Indoor Carding and 1911 Grill and Big Woods Restaurant. The SBA is proud to recognize and support the small businesses that drive our economy. We applaud you for your achievements and for what you have yet to achieve. I am so optimistic about the future of small business in America. I wouldn't have taken this job if that weren't the case. And we at SBA hope the recognition you have earned by being here today will serve as a springboard to even greater success for your own futures. As an entrepreneur, I have truly lived the American dream. As SBA administrator, I want more people to have that same opportunity for success. My goal is to help more people start, scale, and succeed in their business. So be an ambassador. Be an ambassador for sba. Be an ambassador for small businesses in your town. Share your experience as an entrepreneur and an honoree on social media with hashtags Small businessweek. It's a great opportunity for you to let your own customers and communities, and maybe even a few competitors as well, know of your achievements and tell your friends and clients about sba. You know, when I've been asked about what my vision is for sba, it is that SBA becomes so much better. Well known. I have been in areas where no one's ever heard of sba. They didn't know the loans were available for them. So we need. And part of what I want to be doing is a better marketing and promotion of sba, and we need your help as you serve as our ambassadors. My hope is that as more people learn about the services SBA provides, we can continue to revitalize the spirit of entrepreneurship in our country, and more people will have the confidence, skills, and resources they need to succeed as small business owners. Just like you. Over the past few years, we've seen a decline in startups and businesses. Entrepreneurs were afraid to take risks, and that spirit of risk takers and entrepreneurs kind of declined, but we're seeing that come back. There's more optimism now, more optimism for entrepreneurs, more optimism in the manufacturing sector. So we see all of that. And SBA is going to be riding right alongside of those businesses, helping them grow and develop. I want to thank you for having me today, and congratulations to all our winners. And I'm looking forward to presenting some of those awards. So, as you've often heard many, many times, Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. We're ready to go.

Thank you, Madam Administrator, for those thoughtful remarks. She's going to stay up here with us so we can do our SBA awards. So, as was mentioned earlier, every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation declaring National Small Business Week. This week recognizes the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. I have the honor to recognize two resource partners that support Indiana entrepreneurs and two successful small businesses here in Indiana. Our resource partners play a vital role in helping us at the SBA and our mission to assist the small business entrepreneur. The South Central Small Business Development center located in Bloomington provides one on one counseling services to entrepreneurs located in 10 South Central Indiana counties with specialized counseling in exporting, accounting and strategic planning. South Central collaborates with the SBA Indiana District Office on many projects and is very active in promoting SBA programs. In fiscal year 16 they assisted businesses to acquire over $8 million in capital infusion. It's my pleasure to award the 2017 I apologize for this long title SBA Indiana Small Business Development Center Excellence in Innovation Award to the South Central Indiana Small Business Development center. Here to accept Mr. Steve Bryant, Regional Director Ms. Terry Brown, Business Advisor. The Central Indiana Women's Business center, located in Indianapolis distinguishes itself by addressing the unique needs of women in business on three building human capital through one on one counseling, providing access to capital and building social capital through connections to other business owners, service organizations, chambers of commerce and business associations. This Women's Business center partners with the SBA Indiana District Office on several initiatives including our Emerging Leaders Program. During the most recent fiscal year, The WBC completed 1200 hours of coaching, 4300 hours of training with 84% being to female entrepreneurs. It's my pleasure to award the 2017 SBA Indiana Women's Business center of the Year to the Central Indiana Women's Business Center. Here to accept the award, Ms. Jacqueline Troy, Director. The 8 Business Development Program is a nine year program established to assist socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to develop and grow their business. But business development assistance includes one on one counseling, training workshops and matchmaking opportunities. Established in 2001 by Keith Harding and headquartered in Indianapolis, Ryan Consulting Group is one of the fastest growing infotech companies in the United States. Mr. Harding has been able to utilize the skills, networks and contacts he has made through the 8 program to expand his business. When Ryan consulting started in the 8 program in 2004, they had sales of 1.6 million. Last year Ryan Consulting Group had sales of 15 million while employing 106 Hoosiers. It's my pleasure to present the 2017 SBA Indiana 8 a graduate of the Year to Keith Harding, President of Ryan Consulting Group.

It.

He's going to have his own race going down that.

The SBA Small Business Person of the Year Award for the State of Indiana recognizes an entrepreneur for their outstanding achievements and successes in their small business and also for their contributions to the Indiana economy. Dr. Joey Rivera started Rivera Consulting Group 15 years ago with a specific mission to be a leading IT service provider in helping the nation solve one of the most critical problems in a information technology. The company is located in Sellersburg and is a certified service disabled veteran owned small business. Revera Group has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. They were actually admitted into our 8 business development program in 2005 with sales of 128,000. By the end of last year, they grew to almost 15 million in sales with 147 employees. Now, a little bit about Dr. Rivera. He's a veteran, an Army Reserve officer with 30 years of military service ranging from private in the U.S. marine Corps to an Army Reserve lieutenant colonel. He holds a Ph.D. in software engineering from the U.S. naval Postgraduate School. Dr. Rivera continues to support his country by keeping socially disadvantaged and veterans employed. In addition, they host a golf scramble fundraiser to help raise money for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Dr. Rivera has been tremendous supporter of the SBA, including being a featured speaker on several occasions at SBA workshops to veterans and other small businesses interested in federal contracting. In addition, Rivera has utilized the SBA loan programs and is also a former eight graduate of the Year. It's my pleasure to present the 2017 SBA Indiana Small Business Person of the Year to Dr. Joey Rivera, the Rivera Consulting Group.

Well, I get two minutes to talk about how excited I am to be here today. I'm excited about the award. I'm really excited about being in a position to be introduced to the administrator. But I'm really excited to be around other entrepreneurs. Right. I've been asked, what does it mean to be an entrepreneur? I got to tell you one story that I think sums up being an entrepreneur. Our first big contract was worth $10 million. My wife, who's sitting over there, knows, didn't know I was going to tell this story. So I'm going to embarrass myself. I got up in the morning. I'd been selling for 10 straight months. I had all the stakeholders around the table. I was ready. I had 15 copies of the presentation. I had the money lined up. I had the people lined up. I had the need lined up. I was ready to go out the door. I went. I gave the best presentation of my life. It was spectacular. The entire table shook their head, yes, I got the deal. After it was over, people left. One guy hung behind. It was a good friend of mine. He said, joey, what's going on? I said, what did you think? He said, I'm Just curious. What's up with the dress code? I looked down, I forgot to put my shirt on. I gave the entire presentation with a white T shirt on and dress pants. That's an entrepreneur. Thank you so very much. Thank you for being an entrepreneur, and thank you for helping our disabled veterans.

I don't think I can top that story, Joey. So thank you to Administrator McMahon for your assistance today. In closing, on behalf of the sba, I would like to once, once again congratulate all the award winners that have been honored and the ones that are getting ready to be honored. And for everyone here today, thank you again for all that you do to support small business in the great state of Indiana. Thank you.

Good afternoon, everyone. Wasn't that wonderful? That is so cool. Another round of applause for those wonderful entrepreneurs. And, Joe, I love that story. I love that story. I can just see. But you were setting a trend. See, now everybody's doing it. Now everybody wears a T shirt with their dress suit. So look at you. I'm Elaine Beadle, and I'm pleased to be the president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, an appointment that I received from the governor just this year. Prior to that, I was a small business owner. And I'm thinking back when I started my business nearly 30 years ago, I didn't get the kind of advice. I'm not sure the Business Development center was available to me because it was in the mid-80s. And I just was talking, and I think that's about the time they started. So I'm pleased that we have these services for all of our entrepreneurs today, because I think it would have made my life a little bit easier. You know, there's a lot to be said by trial and error, but that does take a little more time than maybe I would have needed to have to do. But anyway, I'm pleased to be here and certainly understand what it takes to start and sustain a small business. So congratulations to everyone in the audience today. As it was mentioned by Linda, we have 1.2 million of our Hoosiers are working for small businesses, and that is almost half of the entire workforce. So I think that's pretty incredible. And you may have heard, our new unemployment rate is in the realm of 3.9%, lowest that it's ever been in years, lower than the national average, but to the point of the veterans, and this is something I'm proud of, and I know the governor is very proud of the unemployment rate in Indiana among veterans, 1.8%. So I just think that's wonderful.

Thank you.

So I'm honored to be here today to celebrate with the SBA award winners as well as the EDGE award winners, which we are about to get to right now. You might ask what qualifies to be one of the 2017 Edge Award winners. We have two categories. They're either an emerging business or they're an established business. So we'll honor one of each. And the other unique aspect is that they receive services through one of our business development centers. And that's important to us because we really love to celebrate all of the successes that we've been able to help people achieve. So that's what these awards are all about. So what we'll do is when I call your name and give a brief description of your business, we'd like you to come up and receive your award. Step to the side. We'll take a quick picture and move on to the next. So if that works for everyone. So let's start first with the Northwest region and our first winner in the emerging area is Prestige Clinics. Dr. J. Joshi established Prestige Clinics, a health clinic with a focus on goal oriented care and improving patient outcomes. He uses novel technology to increase patient access and supports health IT startups looking to pilot new innovations through the ISBDC. Dr. J was provided with valuable market demographic data and was able to establish a marketing partnership with Purdue Northwest. Dr. Joosse. Our next category of established firm is DVG Team Incorporated. Jeff Band, Gary Alola, Doug Redick, Glenn Borens have a civil engineering and land surveying company and they've worked with ISBDC for the past five years during which the company has seen tremendous growth, employing highly skilled staff who make well above the average regional wage. We'd love to hear that. Congratulations, gentlemen. Moving to the North Central region, Midwest or Quality Fire Protection is our emerging company. The company, a provider of fire safety products for the protection of families and properties, was founded by Stephen Gills. Stephen Gills received assistance from the ISBDC to purchase an existing business and form a new entity. ISBDC helped ensure a smooth transition without interruptions in service. Since then, the company has been flourishing and in 2017, the growing business expects at least a 35% increase in annual revenue and is pursuing additional safety certifications to expand its client base. So welcome to the stage. And unfortunately Steve couldn't join us, but Tracy could. So we're pleased to have that in the established business category. Nurses Inc. Nurses etc. Staffing. In 2016, nurses etc. Staffing launched a training program in Warsaw that expanded its abilities to teach patient centered care and broaden recruitment recruitment efforts for nurses. As a result, they were able to increase both full and part time staff while doubling sales. The growth continues and in the first quarter of 2017 the company surpassed its 2016 first and second quarter sales combined. So congratulations to nurses. Etc Staffing. Our next region is the Northeast region. In the emerging category, Capable Sensory Products. Founded in Fort Wayne by two mothers, Susan Hickok and Marna Pacheco. Did I get that right? Oh good, good Pacheco. The two of them partnered with their local ISBDC to develop a business plan and obtain financing for their growing company. They have continued to grow, allowing even more customers to access their innovative products which include plush weighted blankets, dignified weighted wearables, and sensory enrichment tools. So let's congratulate Capable Sensory Products. Am I not in the right place? Don't want to ruin the picture. Our next category is for the Hoosier Heartland region. We have in the emerging category, Eddie Joe's ice House. In 2016, Lee Stanish partnered with ISBDC to help him launch his barbecue restaurant in West Point. The full service restaurant and bar specializes in barbecue, Tex Mex dishes and cold beer. The launch was a success after both Lee and ISBDC worked together to develop a solid business plan and financial projections and probably held a backyard barbecue or two. So welcome and congratulations. In the established business category, Green Alternatives Inc. Green Alternatives has a focus on clean clean energy and making solar energy systems more affordable and accessible. With the help of ISBDC Christopher and Cindy Roholli, we're connected with the Collegiate Management Program at IU Kokomo. The partnership has allowed them to expand their capabilities in pursuing their mission. So congratulations, Green Alternatives. Did I miss somebody? Oh, I am so sorry. Let me go back here. Was that in the Northeast region? And could it be the established company? And could it by chance be niche marketing furniture?

Yay.

Sorry, now I'm probably going to be all messed up. Established In September of 2015, the New Haven Nicole Westerdoff Westendorf worked with ISBDC to research the market potential in the Northeast region. After she realized the need for niche market furniture, she continued to work with ISBDC to enhance the business's marketing efforts. With a successful launch, the company is looking to expand and create a larger warehouse at a second location. So congratulations and sorry that I. All right now. Now let's see if I'm back on track. So I apologize for that. Are we in the East Central region?

Yay.

You guys have to keep me on track here. I'M going to get all these pages probably mixed up here. So our emerging business for the East Central region is Midas Otto Anderson. Jack Surface partnered with his ISBDC office to help grow his Total Car Care center in Anderson where they help repair brakes, change oil and maintain tires, mufflers and exhaust systems. When seeking financing for a second Midas location. His efforts paid off with a successful loan application. Today he continues to participate in ISBDC courses and especially the accounting training which have helped build a successful foundation for his success. So welcome Jack Surface. Congratulations. In the established business for the East Central region, we have Behavioral Associates of Indiana. Belinda Hughes serves individuals with Autism Spectrum disorder. When her business grew, she didn't stop there. As her business thrived, she continued to seek financial and operative advice from the local ISBDC office. The ISBDC also helped her build community contacts and expanding her network. Congratulations, Belinda. Now moving on to the central region. In the emerging category, we have Uptown Pup. Amanda Stetzel and Kathleen Schonczyk. Sean Scheck took their passion and love for animals and started an eco friendly dog daycare through the isbdc. Uptown Pup received business planning advice, industry research and the ISBDC helped them prepare their loan package as they launched their business and pursued their dream. Congratulations. Thank you very much. In the established category, we have newfangled confections and I can speak with experience with this one and their frittle candy. Carrie Abbott started a relationship with the ISBDC central office after opening high end in home catering business seven years ago in Indianapolis. In 2012, she launched her confectionery business made famous by her signature product, Frittle Candy. Today, Carrie continues to seek guidance on market research, strategic development and financial planning to help scale the business with the demand of frittle candy at its highest. Wonderful. And also very good. Did you not bring some samples, Carrie? Moving on to the West Central region, in our emerging category, we have Wellness Box Incorporated. Bonnie and LT Thompson approached their local ISBDC for assistance in marketing their boxes of healthy break room snacks and scientifically personalized employee wellness initiatives. With several employers in the region participating, Bonnie and LT look forward to continue expanding and promoting healthier living for hard working Hoosiers. And I think the only way we can control medical costs is by promoting wellness. So I think you're doing a great job. Okay, we are now on the established business for the West Central region. Fifi's Lunchbox Inc. I think we're kind of getting a food thing going here, aren't we? Jacqueline Ruff and Claudia Hahn started. Claudine Hahn started their relationship with ISBDC when their catering and food truck business expanded into a brick and mortar restaurant with a strong community support. The restaurant is witnessing countless customers come through its doors and the owners are currently exploring new market opportunities. So congratulations. We were just commenting on the number of women who seem to be making their way up the stage. We kind of love that. South central region. In the emerging business area we have Diamond K Suites. Kelsey and Christie Risk approached the ISBDC for assistance in market research, business plan development and loan options for their confectionery business with their popular Fudge O Bites Bits Fudgeo Bits from product line. Growing the company successfully secured financing is expanding its distribution channel. So congratulations. And we need some samples of this too. We're not counting calories today. Established business from the south Central region is AB Biotechnologies Incorporated. Dr. Jeff Schwegman grew his Bloomington based company into a thriving pharmaceutical development company. The local ISBDC provided market research, business valuation and loan preparation that aided the company's early growth. Recently, AB Biotechnologies announced their plans to invest 10.5 million to construct a new facility in Bloomington creating up to 33 new high wage jobs. We love hearing that. Congratulations. You just said that scares him to death. I think that's a great thing. Okay. What entrepreneur isn't scared all the time? I mean you're always wondering where the next thing's coming from. Moving to the southwest region. Okay, I'm going to work really hard on this. Anjali Interiors is our emerging company winner. Sharon Lemond's creative eye found a partner in the ISBD DC when she opened her interior design business and purchased an historic building to house her artesian decor. The company continues to grow and plays an active role in Sharon's native hometown in Evansville. So congratulations to Angele. Moving on to the southwest region's established business winner, we have K and K Dirt Works Inc. Founded in Evanston, the company specializes in demolition, site clearing, dangerous tree removal, site preparation and finish grade work. Owners Robin and Matthew. Expansion. Their expansion combines their knowledge of work, earth moving and construction with sustainability. Resulting in a new venture that reuses organic waste materials to produce fertile compost products. The business owners continue working with the ISBDC as they pursue product development and expansion. Congratulations. All right, now we're to the southeast region. In the emerging category area we have tree free borders. Eugene Moster engaged with his local ISBDC while conceptualizing a grass border edging product. Since its launch, the Business secured enough local orders to fill manufacturing capacity for the season and sells commercial turf to numerous clients, including Great America Ballpark, which is home to the Cincinnati Reds. Help me in congratulating Tree Free Border. Last but not least, our last winner in the established business area for the Southeast region is Capital Roofing Solutions. Laura Bentley and Nick Resto found a helpful partner in their local ISB as they sought to apply for financing for their commercial roofing company. With the help of isbdc, Capital Roofing has experienced exponential growth in the local market, expanding its services to commercial commercial construction across the United States. Well, that's great, Great expansion. Congratulation. Well, that concludes our awards, the Edge Awards for 2017. So let's give all our winners one more round of applause. My next task is to introduce to you the Lieutenant Governor of the state of Indiana. Unfortunately, she's two minutes from here, so anybody have any song and dance they'd like to do? I will fill the time by just kind of talking a little bit about what we're doing at IEDC and the success that I think we are having across the board. You know, small business is truly the backbone of Indiana and as it is throughout the country. And our small business development centers are important to that. And I know I'm talking to the choir when I say that here, but we need to find a way to even expand that a little bit farther. And my vision, my hope is that when we end, when we kind of figure out what we're. When I figure out exactly what I'm doing being a small business owner, I would like to see us be able to provide even more incentives. Many times you hear about big announcements that we make of companies coming to Indiana or expanding here, bringing to 200 jobs, 300 jobs, something like that. And that we're giving them incentives, you know, for every job they create, we give them a tax credit. Why can't we figure out how to do that for our small businesses as well? Because my idea would be that if we could do it, if we could encourage 6,000, and we have many more small businesses In Indiana than 6,000 to hire one more worker, we automatically have 6,000 new Hoosier workers. So we're going to work on trying to figure out how that can work and better maybe give you a hand as well. She's right. Oh, yay.

Okay.

How did I do? Did I song and dance pretty well there? And as she walks in the door, I have the distinct honor of introducing to you a very special guest.

The.

52Nd lieutenant governor for the state of Indiana, Suzanne Crouch. Prior to serving as Lieutenant Governor, she served in the Indiana House of Representatives and most recently recently served as Auditor of the state from 2014 to 2017. She's truly dedicated with lots of years of service to the state of Indiana and now provides great leadership in her role that she plays now. So it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you and have you welcome to the podium our 52nd lieutenant governor, but a dear friend of mine, Suzanne Christ Crouch.

Good afternoon. How exciting it is to be here with this brain power and energy and enthusiasm. And Elaine, thank you for that kind introduction and for your dedication in serving Hoosiers as one of Indiana's ambassadors. And thank you to Linda McMahon. I'm looking forward to visiting with you, but thank you for joining us here to celebrate small business here in Indiana. And as a business owner, yourself, and a national leader, we are grateful to you for growing the opportunities and putting the spotlight on entrepreneurship in small businesses in our country. You know, today we have more Hoosiers working than ever before. And our state unemployment rate is at a 15 year low of 3.9%, which is the lowest it's been since 2001. And much of this job creation is a testament to each of today's award recipients. Our small business and entrepreneurs are the ones that are creating jobs and creating opportunities for Hoosier families. So we have a lot to celebrate today. But that's not all we have to celebrate today. Indiana ranks best in the Midwest and fifth in the country for one of the best places to do business. We also are recognized as the best in terms of our regulations. And Governor Holcomb and I continue to put a priority on rolling back burdensome regulations, which are a roadblock to small businesses and entrepreneurs. This success is a testament to each one of you and the tireless work you put in to growing our state's economy. You provide 1.2 million jobs for Hoosiers. That's what small businesses are doing for the state of Indiana. And interestingly, 75% of all jobs created are created by small businesses. So the jobs. While we hear about the big jobs announcements by these big companies, you all here today are the ones that are truly creating the jobs and keeping our economy moving forward. As job creators, you're one of our state's greatest assets, and you help build communities and provide jobs for Hoosiers that are looking to earn a living and call Indiana their home. Governor Holcomb and I are proud of. Proud and we're humbled to be here today to Celebrate your success and thank you for your contributions to our great state. And it is because of you that I am confident to say that Indiana is the best place to start a business, grow a business and create a job. And as we in Indiana enter our third century, I look forward to witnessing your continued successes in the future. I want to thank also our ISBDC partners for the incredible impact that you have had on this movement here in Indiana. In 2016 alone, you served over 2,800 clients and helped create 2, 284 jobs, or I'm sorry, 284 new businesses, which are far more jobs than that. And it is through your one on one counseling, your customized market research and the workshops that you have conducted that you have provided the motivation and the tools to grow small businesses and to encourage entrepreneurship in our great state. In fact, in my hometown or my home part of the state, southwest Indiana, I know we have some people here from southwest Indiana. Yeah, actually, you know, I'm from Evansville, so I live in Indianapolis during the week and I travel to Evansville every weekend because my husband of 39 years is not moving to Indianapolis.

So.

But we've got a couple success stories here today. We have Angel Interiors and KK Dirt Works that are from my part of the state. So we celebrate you as well as all the other award recipients that are here today. And every day, in every corner of our state, there are countless success stories. And I am so grateful for you all for creating those success stories here in Indiana. You're making a huge difference on our small businesses and the 1.2 million jobs you create for Hoosiers. So I challenge each of our award recipients to tell a friend or another business in the area about how ISBDC has impacted your life. And let's help each other grow the momentum and continue to learn and continue to be successful. Because when one person is successful, we all benefit. So please know that your contributions are appreciated and don't forget that every single day the contribution you are making to the great state of Indiana. And thank you. Thank you for making Indiana a state that works. And by creating jobs, you are helping us take Indiana to the next level. So congratulations and thank you again for being here, for doing what you do and for making Indiana the best state in our country. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Lieutenant Governor Crouch, for those remarks. And before we conclude today's presentation, I do want to reinforce what what Suzanne said, what Linda said earlier, that you're our best voices out there. You the winners who have taken the time to participate in a lot of the services offered by our small Business development centers. And you're the best ones to kind of spread that story to others because I know through my own experience you get people in your door all the time asking, tell me how you started the business, what do I need to do? I've got this idea. So hopefully after you give them your advice, you'll give them the advice to check in with the Small Business development centers. So this does conclude our presentation for today. The Speake speakers and the recipients will be available for one on one interviews. So if they kind of hang around, if anyone would like to talk with them. Again, we want to thank each of you for being here today. I know it takes time out of your day and time is important. So we appreciate the fact that you're here to celebrate with all of these companies and thank you, Linda, for making time in your busy schedule to be here. And Suzanne, the same. So we appreciate you all. Again, small business is the backbone of Indiana and the backbone of the country. So let's continue to celebrate and create. So take care. Thank you.

It.