The University of Texas-Pan American Small Business Development Center, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), recently recognized local business champions at an awards dinner as part of Small Business Week 2006.

The annual reception acknowledged the efforts and successes of small business owners and their financial partners, as well as the various business advocates in the South Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Because small businesses are so important to the U.S. economy, the U.S. SBA consistently recognizes the ties which promote success in entrepreneurship. “The U.S. SBA awards are designed to demonstrate an appreciation for individuals who work diligently as entrepreneurs, and in doing so, help the economy grow,” says Maria D. Juarez, SBDC Program Director.

The celebration saluted champions from the local area such as: Cristina R. Camargo from Cristy’s Cake Shop as the Small Business Persons of the Year; Aida A. Lerma as Women in Business Champion of the Year, also a regional winner; and Ben A. Cavazos and Oscar Cavazos from MAE Power Equipment as SBA Family-Owned Small Business of the Year.  Kendra L. Kinnison, co-founder of Ensemble Group, received the SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The U.S. SBA also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of individuals who help entrepreneurs on their path toward success: Bill Ranganath was recognized as SCORE Counselor of the Year.  Jesse Santana, Texas State Bank, received the award for Financial Services Champion of the Year, while Pedro Salazar was named the Minority Small Business Champion of the Year. Mark Winchester and Haitham Alhaddad were both awarded the SBDC Counselors of the Year, and Luis F. Perez was recognized as the Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year.  These individuals provided some type of assistance to small business owners in the Rio Grande Valley.

“SBA and the UTPA SBDC congratulate SBA’s 2006 District Award Winners and thank our resource partners and local lenders for co-sponsoring the event and supporting and promoting small businesses,” said Juarez.