KOSBE Announces Judges, Speaker and Entertainment for the 2011 Annual KOSBE Awards

Kingsport, TN, November 12, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE) is pleased to announce the judges, guest speaker and entertainment that have been selected for the 2011 Annual KOSBE Awards. Inaugurated in 1994, the Annual KOSBE Awards are the longest running and most recognized small business-focused awards program in the Tri-Cities area.

Since the contest’s inception, over thirty small businesses have been recognized for their attention to customer relationship management, marketing creativity, community involvement, success overcoming adversity, history and future prospects.

The selected judges have been chosen for their knowledge and expertise of small business ownership and management and their understanding of current small business trends.

Ms. Angela Conner – Vice President/Community Development Manager, SunTrust Bank
Ms. Carolyn Pierson Cook – Owner, Absolute Communications
Mr. Steve DeLine – Superintendent CESP Maintenance Department, Eastman Chemical Company
Mr. Lawrence C. Maston (Lead Judge) – Individual Certified Public Accountant
Ms. Jacqueline Merritt – Economic Development Specialist, Small Business Administration (SBA)
Ms. Julie Pierson – Account Executive, Absolute Communications
Ms. Rachel Ralston – Attorney, Hunter, Smith & Davis, President

A total of eight awards will be presented for Business Excellence (under 10 employees), Business Excellence (10 or more employees), New Business (in business 12—36 months), Young Entrepreneur (owner is under 40 years of age), Innovation, Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned and an Impact Award to an individual small business supporter and advocate. There were no applicants for the Small Manufacturer (or fabricator) or Minority-Owned business awards this year.

Winners and runner-ups from each category will be announced live at a special recognition event on Thursday, December 8, 2011 from 6 – 9 p.m. located at BANQ, 255 Broad Street, 2nd floor in downtown Kingsport. BANQ is located in the historic First National Bank Building.

Preceding award presentations, Bill Gatton, owner and general manager of Bill Gatton Chevrolet-Cadillac and Bill Gatton Honda will share his story of how he transformed one car dealership into a multi-state multi-million dollar enterprise aligned with various philanthropic organizations that are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.

This will be a moderated interview conducted by seasoned news anchor, Jim Bailey.

The Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky, the Gatton College of Pharmacy at East Tennessee State University and the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Bowling Green, KY (recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the nation’s top five high schools in 2011) are just three of his recent philanthropic endeavors. Gatton believes that education is at the heart of everything that we do, and it powers personal and business development. Gatton attended the University of Kentucky and received his MBA in Finance and Banking from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, one of the world’s top business schools.

Tagged as “Wild Bill” as a result of his wacky television commercials in the 1970s, Gatton received the distinguished award for Business Achievement and Community Service from TIME Magazine in 2005, amid more than 65 dealers nominated for this esteemed award. Gatton, who is also a U.S. Army Veteran, promises to inspire and motivate others to achieve their highest potential and bring about a transformation to success within their business and their lives.

Live music will be provided by Behind the Note Jazz Band, a Tri-Cities-based progressive jazz band featuring Keyboardist Clyde Cook, Saxophonist Aaron Howard, Drummer Renaldo Goodwin, and Bassist Maurice Butler. The band will be performing smooth jazz instrumentals such as Stand By Me, Nothing Can Come Between Us, My Girl and other crowd favorites.

General seating tickets are $35 per person, VIP/Reserved seating are $45 per person and both can be purchased online at KOSBE.org or call (423) 392.8825.

It is the intent of KOSBE to be the go-to organization in the Tri-Cities for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to start or grow their businesses, by creating and developing the right tools and resources and cultivating the right partnerships. In partnership with Tennessee Small Business Development Centers (TSBDC) at ETSU, KOSBE can more effectively serve the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses. For a complete listing of services, tools and resources, visit kosbe.org.

To schedule your free confidential counseling appointment in a private setting by TSBDC-certified counselors in person, online by phone or e-mail call Marybeth McLain at (423) 392.8825 or e-mail, mmclain@kosbe.org.
For more information about the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office and your Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE), visit tsbdc.org and kosbe.org or call (423) 392.8825. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook, Kosbe – The Small Business Connection, Twitter, @KOSBEConnection, LinkedIn group, KOSBE - The Small Business Connection and our YouTube Channel, KOSBEConnection.

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