Graphic: Building the Economy, Impacting Lives
Home > News & Events > Governor Declares April 21-25 Small Business Week

Governor Declares April 21-25 Small Business Week

4-17-08

Governor Steve Beshear issued a proclamation declaring April 21 – 25, 2008 as Small Business Week.  The proclamation calls upon Kentuckians to celebrate the achievements and contributions of entrepreneurs and their employees.  Additionally, it applauds entrepreneurs for taking risks and making sacrifices to achieve their dream and secure a better life for themselves, their families and their employees.

Small Business Week will feature the Kentucky Celebrates Small Business Event, which will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort.  This event consists of a reception and luncheon to honor Kentucky’s top small business owners, advocates and other leaders that promote the success of small businesses.  One focus of the event will be honoring the businesses that received the 2008 Pacesetter Award, an honor given to businesses that are changing the economic landscape of Kentucky by introducing innovative products; increasing sales and/or production; boosting employment; and, serving the communities of the Commonwealth.  Recipients of the 2008 Pacesetter Award include:

  • Big Meadow Oil Company Inc.,  Knob Lick
  • Custom Tool & Manufacturing Company,  Lawrenceburg
  • Hitcents Inc.,  Bowling Green
  • Interstate Natural Gas Company, Pikeville
  • Lawrence & Associates,  Louisville
  • LCM Company,  Lexington
  • Oscarware Inc.,  Bonnieville
  • Pendleton Data Farm,  Falmouth
  • SouthEast Telephone,  Pikeville
  • The Gallaher Group, Ashland
  • Twin Rivers Inc.,  Livermore
  • Walbert Trucking Inc., Glasgow

Small businesses are an enormous contributor to Kentucky’s economy.  They generate billions of dollars in income, representing 28 percent of Kentucky’s economy.  Small businesses generate thirty percent of indirect business taxes which provide the state and federal governments with money necessary for operating.  Finally, small businesses account for over 346,000 self-employed and other small entities.

The Pacesetter Business Recognition Program and the Kentucky Celebrates Small Businesses event are a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, headquartered at the University of Kentucky’s Office of Commercialization and Economic Development; the United States Small Business Administration; Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development; and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis – Louisville Branch.