NEWSRELEASE
For Release: April 2, 2002WASHINGTON, D.C. The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Ms. Beverley Williams of Rockville, MD, its 2002 Home-based Business Advocate of the Year. She was selected for the award because of her outstanding advocacy efforts on behalf of home-based businesses.
Williams is a home-based business owner, operating two businesses from her home office: a partnership in a sports novelty business called Hat Flags and a speaking and consulting enterprise. In 1991, she created the Association of Home-Based Businesses, whose growth eventually resulted in the formal announcement in 1994 of a nonprofit national organization, the American Association of Home-Based Businesses (AAHBB).
As president of the AAHBB, Williams has been interviewed on the state of home-based business by the Wall Street Journal, Readers Digest, Good Housekeeping, Parenting Magazine, and LExpansion (France). She has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business on the issue of home office deductions, and she routinely solicits members of the association to contact their elected representatives on issues affecting home-based businesses.
The award is given to an individual who has experienced the rewards and difficulties of home-based businesses and has dedicated volunteer efforts to improving the climate for home-based businesses. Evaluation criteria include volunteering time and energy to improve the conditions for home-based businesses; engaging in entrepreneurial training; demonstrated interest in home-based businesses; and measurable accomplishments in advancing home-based businesses.
The President of the United States recognizes contributions of the small business community to the American economy and society by proclamation each year. National Advocate award winners will be honored during the National Small Business Week celebration, May 5-12, 2002, in Washington, D.C.
Office of Advocacy annual awards include the Accountant Advocate, Entrepreneurial Success Award, Financial Services Advocate, Home-based Business Advocate, Small Business Journalist Advocate, Minority Small Business Advocate, Small Business Exporter, Veteran Small Business Advocate, Women in Business Advocate, and the SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at http://www.sba.gov/advo. Technical questions may be addressed to the Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20416.
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Created by Congress in 1976, The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. The Chief Counsel for Advocacy, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers. Issues are identified through economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach. The Chief Counsels efforts are supported by offices in Washington, D.C., and by Regional Advocates. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit http://www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.