Message From William Welsh of the Rhode Island Salute to Small Business

WILLIAM WELSH, CHAIR, JOSEPH G.E. KNIGHT, SCORE CHAPTER 13

The Joseph G.E. Knight SCORE Chapter 13 is honored to co-sponsor the 2013 Rhode Island Salute to Small Business celebration with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

SCORE is a national volunteer association that has been a partner of SBA for 49 years.  The Rhode Island chapter was founded in 1964 and was one of the first in the nation.  SCORE volunteers have counseled countless clients over the years that have dreams and aspirations of owning their own small business, as well as to existing entrepreneurs seeking to expand or revitalize their business model.

I particularly want to congratulate Jeanne Salisbury, owner of Minuteman Press in Pawtucket, as this year’s recipient of the Joseph G.E. Knight Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence.

The 2013 Rhode Island small business honorees are outstanding examples of the entrepreneurial spirit thriving.  Their hard work and perseverance in business are an inspiration to us all.  Each winner has their own great story of how they rose to success, and I extend my sincere congratulations and offer my deepest admiration to the champions who advocate on behalf of the small business community.

The Rhode Island Salute to Small Business gives us the opportunity to not only honor our outstanding business owners, but also to reach out to the small business community in the state via a series of free workshops that will be offered throughout Small Business Week (June 10-14).

If you have ever contemplated starting your own small business, or thought about getting some advice from experts in the business community, I strongly urge you to attend one or more of these workshops.  Our counselors have years of experience in the business world as executives and entrepreneurs.  They are all successful business people who are ready and willing to share their knowledge with you.  All counseling sessions are offered at no cost, and are completely confidential.  To schedule your session with a SCORE counselor, call (401) 528-4561 or visit our website at www.ri.score.org .

Last fiscal year, our counselors trained and mentored over 2,500 clients in one-on-one settings and our no or low-cost business workshops are excellent avenues for small business owners and those looking to start a small business to receive invaluable guidance from experienced professionals.

I would also like to extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to our corporate partners.  Without their support and contributions this great annual event would not be possible.  It is their continued commitment that allows us to recognize the accomplishments of the Rhode Island small business community.

On behalf of the over 40 SCORE volunteers throughout Rhode Island, I would like to join the small business community in extending my congratulations to our Small Business Person of the Year, Brenda Brook, owner of Farmaesthetics in Newport.  I would also like to congratulate our four New England regional winners. They are outstanding contributors to the Rhode Island small business community, and are all extremely deserving recipients.

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