SBA Syracuse December Newsletter | Success Story: New Hope Mills

Small Business Administration (SBA) sent this bulletin at 12/07/2012 01:35 PM EST
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December 7, 2012

It's Your Business

Syracuse District Office Newsletter

Brought to you by the U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA Invites 2013 Nominations for National Small Business Week

Small business people

Do you know a small business worthy of recognition? Nominate them for a Small Business Week Award!

Each year the President of the United States sets aside one week in the spring to honor and celebrate small business —National Small Business Week. SBA recognizes small business owners from winning nominations from lenders, SCORE, SBDCs, WBCs, chambers of commerce and economic developers.

If you have a nominee for 2013 Small Business Week, please review the relevant details for the award categories and top tips for winning nominations online. Questions on award criteria? Please contact Cathy Pokines at (315) 471-9393 ext. 241 or cathy.pokines@sba.gov.

Completed nomination packages should be submitted to SBA and postmarked by January 3, 2013.

 > Visit SBA Syracuse District SBW Awards website

Success Story: New Hope Mills

For Third Generation Entrepreneur, Family and Business Are Perfect Mix

Doug Weed holds photograph of his grandfather, Leland Weed, in the New Hope Mills factory store in Auburn, NY.

Since 1823, New Hope Mills Manufacturing flour-based mixes have had the recipe for small business success. The company’s stitched-top products have been a Central New York household name through the ups and downs of the last two centuries. Leland Weed purchased New Hope Mills in 1947 and built the company’s brand with his hard work and strong salesman skills. Leland’s sons, David and Dale, purchased the business when he was ready for retirement in 1980. The Weed family bonds are intertwined with the business; both David and Dale raised their families next door to the mill.  Today, half of the third-generation works there under the new leadership of Dale’s son Doug. 

“I’ve worked for the company since I was able to walk,” recounts Doug with a laugh. “I started at the smallest level of cleaning up after the production workers at the end of the day, taking care of the trash, and helping out in any way I could. One of my eighteenth birthday presents was a full-time job. I always had a strong connection to the family business and to my grandfather, so it felt very natural for me.”

> Read more

Saratoga National Bank Approved for SBA's Preferred Lender Program

Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company has become a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender under the agency’s Preferred Lender Program.

Under the SBA Preferred Lenders Program, Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company has been delegated full authority by the SBA to approve loans, resulting in faster service to local small business owners in need of capital.  Under the new lending authority, Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company is now able to process, close, and service SBA loans.

SBA Syracuse District Director Bernard J. Paprocki said, “Only the most active and expert lenders qualify for SBA's premier streamlined lending program.  We are pleased to add Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company to our list of Preferred Lenders.  This status will allow them to assist even more small businesses in communities where they have a presence.”

Albany SBDC Business Advisor Earns National Recognition

Albany SBDC Advisor John Skrobela

John Skrobela of the SBDC University at Albany received the Association of Small Business Development Centers coveted "State Star" Award in recognition of his contributions to the New York State SBDC program.  Skrobela was recently presented with the award among his peers at the Association's Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA. 

The award is given annually to an outstanding SBDC Business Advisor from each state.  Criteria include showing a strong commitment to small business success; making significant contributions to the state SBDC program; and being an exemplary performer.  Recipients are also selected based in part on consistently high evaluations provided by clients served.

“It is truly an honor to accept this year’s award, and it is definitely a testament to the larger work being done by the NYS SBDC and the University at Albany to promote local growth in the economy” said Skrobela.  “I really believe in the value of the work being done at our center to make sure local businesses are empowered to access financing where available, and more importantly, to access resources and information when needed.” 

UPCOMING EVENTS

1/1- Transition Assistance and Self-Employment Opportunities for Veterans Workshop in Fort Drum

Getting out of the military and not sure what to do next? Learn about business opportunities ranging from home-based to retail. To register, contact ACAP on Ft. Drum at (315) 772-3434.

1/2- Business Planning Workshop in Corning

Are you thinking about starting your own small busness or are you an existing business owner seeking financing.? This free workshop is for designed with you in mind.  To register, call (607) 937-6861 or email sbdc@corning-cc.edu.  

1/10- Women in Creative Business Roundtable Discussion in Syracuse

Network and share best practices with other women entrepreneurs at this roundtable hosted by the WISE Women's Business Center. To register, call (315) 443-8634 or email jmlenwea@syr.edu.

EVENT CALENDAR

For an entire listing of all events held in the SBA Syracuse District, click here.

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