Surprise for Idaho's only alternative paper
BOISE, Idaho, June 18, 2008 — The Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 ‘Small Business of the Year’ Awards. Three categories were awarded based on the size of the business. The 2008 winners are:
The C & H Group, LLC (1-9 employees) – a Boise based business intermediary firm serving privately-held companies in the intermountain west. C & H brokers buy and sell transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, inside transfers and divestitures, and offers transition consulting to guide a company through change of ownership.
Boise Weekly (10-49 employees) – a weekly print publication news source in Idaho. The Boise Weekly covers local news, environmental issues, arts, outdoor recreation and opinions offering an introspective view of issues.
Business Psychology Associates (BPA) (50+ employees) – Business Psychology Associates was formed by founders of a large provider-owned clinical practice who wanted to focus resources and attention on the then-new field of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services. Beginning with local contracts and followed by the gradual addition of regional and national clients, this family-owned business now serves more than 533,000 employees and dependents. BPA services include a full array of EAP services, managed behavioral healthcare and work-life benefits.
The winners will be recognized at the Small Biz Conference & Celebration on Thursday, June 26th at the Boise Centre on the Grove, 850 W. Front Street, Boise from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The conference will be hosted by the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP) and feature keynote speaker Rhonda Abrams, a leading columnist and author on small business and entrepreneurship. The theme of this year’s conference will be how to “Survive and Thrive in Today’s Business Climate.”
The annual Small Biz Conference is targeted at new business start-ups and businesses with fewer than fifteen employees and has been expanded this year to include workshops that will provide tools and inspiration to small business owners in Idaho. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn from other small business owners, gain new contacts and referrals and learn more about how to start and grow their business.
“Contrary to what one might think, this is a great time to start a business”, Abrams says, “Boise continues to be at the forefront of economic growth and knowing how to maneuver yourself in this market is key. This conference will highlight the best practices for starting or growing your business. It’s a must for all small business owners in the area”.
According to a report released last week by the Brookings Institution, an influential think tank in Washington D.C., the Boise-Nampa metropolitan area is tops in the nation in terms of economic vitality. The report ranked the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas on three key measures of economic vitality: productivity growth, sustainable growth and inclusive growth. Boise was the only metro area to rank in the top third in all three categories.
“The Boise Metro Chamber wants to equip all small businesses in Idaho with the tools to not only survive but thrive in today’s economic climate,” says Barb Bowman, organizer and director of the Small Biz Conference and Celebration Day, “We have designed the event so that participants will leave with solid information, useful new skills and contacts. The opportunity to interact with other business owners is extremely valuable.”
The conference will include a keynote speech at 8:15, Small Business Awards Luncheon, and workshops throughout the day that include:
“Pitching Your Business” – learn to pitch your business in less than two minutes
“Build Your Contacts” – networking at the Business-to-Business Trade Show
“Gain New Tools” – participants will be able to choose from four workshops
A detailed agenda and tickets for this event are available at www.boisechamber.org. Tickets are $125 for the general public and $70 for students. Attending the keynote and continental breakfast only is $35. Inquiries may also be made to Erin Best at ebest@boisechamber.org or 208-472-5258.
About the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce The Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce is the community’s leading non-profit business advocacy organization. Since 1885, the Boise Chamber strives to be the community’s most indispensable business organization advocating for economic well being, regional development and quality of life.
About keynote speaker Rhonda Abrams Rhonda Abrams is a syndicated columnist and best-selling author of the book “The Successful Business Plan: Secrets and Strategies” that was acclaimed by Forbes magazine as one of the two best books for small businesses. Now in its fourth edition, it is used as the primary text for business plan classes by more than 100 business schools. Rhonda’s weekly newspaper column, “Small Business Strategies” is the nation’s most widely-read column about entrepreneurship, reaching more than 20 million readers through 130 newspapers, USATODAY.com, Inc.com, and Costco Connection magazine.
