FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Senator Connie Mack Receives Florida’s Small Business Dividend$ Award at FSBDC’s Capitol-Business Briefing and Reception at the Florida House on Capitol Hill

Pensacola, FL: Senator Connie Mack was presented with the Florida Small Business Development Center Network’s Second Annual Small Business Dividend$ Award by the inaugural award winner, Congressman Andy Ireland, at the Second Annual Capitol-Business Briefing and Reception. This prestigious event was held on Wednesday, March 14, 2001 at the Florida House on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C.

Mack was selected as the recipient of the Small Business Dividend$ Award for taking exception to the Small Business Administration's capping of the 7(a) loan program and working to double its funding. Through the program, $579.9
million of guaranteed loans were made by banks and financial institutions to 1,863 Florida small businesses in 2000. SBDCs and their local economic development partners educate and assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in the pursuit of business financing.

Senators Bob Graham and Bill Nelson attended the celebration, as well as other members and small business staff of the Florida Congressional Delegation.

The FSBDC Network implemented this annual event, in March 2000, as a new and exciting way to brief the Florida Congressional Delegation regarding the impact of federal funding on the overall economy of the small business community and, in particular, impact in each member’s district. A significant component of the event is the selection of an outstanding Floridian whose service to the state has included diligent work and support of legislation that improves the environment for success of the small business community.

Directors from six Florida SBDCs represented the Network at the Briefing and Reception. Boca Raton, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Orlando, Ft. Myers and Tampa facilitated the briefing to the Florida Congressional Delegation and other invited guests on the impact of federal funding on the business community.

Mack had four FSBDC regions in his district while in office: Florida Gulf Coast University SBDC, Ft. Myers; University of South Florida SBDC, Tampa; Florida A&M University SBDC, Tallahassee; and University of West Florida SBDC, Pensacola.

The FSBDC Network will also recognize Mack at an awards reception on the 22nd floor of The Capitol in Tallahassee, on Wednesday, March 28, 2001. The ceremony will cap the end of the FSBDC Network's Second Annual Product Exposition and Luncheon: A Capitol-Business Experience.

The FSBDC Network is the largest and most successful entrepreneurial assistance program in Florida, featuring 20 college and university-based centers strategically located throughout the state, with additional outreach provided at partner locations.