Business is alive and well in Washington State

As the winner of the Washington State 2010 Small Business Person of the Year award, I had the privilege of attending the SBA Small Business Awards Gala last night along with my family and some of my team members from Management Services Northwest.  Business is alive and well in Washington State, and what a special awards banquet the Small Business Administration puts on each year.  This year the Gala was held at the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at Seattle Center.  It was a very special evening where many businesses were honored for their accomplishments.  It was wonderful to be among so many talented and enterprising individuals and my hearty congratulation goes out to all of those that were recipients of awards.

Quoting Nancy Porzio, the Seattle District Director, it truly was “a BIG night for small business – recognizing the best in Washington State’s small business community”.     I was so honored and humbled to be selected as our State’s Small Business Person, and as I gave my acceptance speech, it was difficult to maintain composure when I could see my Mother tearing up in the audience. 

I am so thankful to my parents, and it was wonderful to be able to tell them publicly what an incredible example they have provided for so many years of love, integrity, and strong work ethic.  I remember they often told me growing up, to always give my very best in everything I did. 

It was also special to be able to have some of my MSNW team members along to celebrate.   Lisa Haveman, my Operations Manager, and Brent Spaulding, my General Manager, were both in attendance and I am so grateful to them for their many years of hard work, dedication and support.   My daughter Terell (Bruland) Weg grew up the business and has proven herself a valuable player on our team.  Other managers in attendance were Jeff Brand, Stu Gorski, and Wayne Galloway.  My team and I at MSNW have walked together through the hard times, and the wonderful and exciting times as our business has grown.  Thank you to all of my team members throughout Washington and Oregon for everything you do each day to live our company brand – We’ll Take Care of It!   This is OUR award. 

Finally, I want to give the thanks and glory to God.  His hand has been on me, and I only hope I can give back a portion of the blessing on others that He has poured on me.

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