Clinton County restaurant owners receive 2009 Small Business Excellence Award

May 19, 2009

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (May 19, 2009) - Drew and Linda Sabella, owners of Anthony's Restaurant and Bistro, were honored at the 11th annual Small Business Administration Syracuse District Business Excellence Awards luncheon May 4 in Albany.These annual awards are an opportunity to recognize the importance of small businesses in area communities. The North Country Small Business Development Center nominates a deserving client for a Small Business Administration Excellence Award every year.

"For 30 years, Drew and Linda have used their love for each other, their passion for food and excellence to serve the North Country, and it a pleasure to nominate them for this honor," said Rick Leibowitz, regional director of the North Country SBDC, in nominating the Sabellas.

The SBA Excellence Awards luncheon is one of many events held across the nation to celebrate National Small Business Week. The SBA sees small businesses as the driving force behind America's tremendous growth and job creation.
President Barak Obama said in a press release this week that "Our nation's success depends on America's small businesses and entrepreneurs. Their contributions are necessary to rebuild our economy so that it once again offers the opportunity to succeed to all who seek it."

"America's entrepreneurs and small-business owners have proven that the American Dream is powerful, resilient and adaptable ... leading us time and again toward greater economic growth," said Karen G. Mills, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Upon receiving the award, Drew Sabella remarked, "The North Country is a great place to live and a great place to do business."

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The North Country SBDC, part of the School of Business and Economics at SUNY Plattsburgh, works one on one in a confidential setting with emerging, existing and expanding entrepreneurs. The staff has provided services at no cost to clients in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and northern Washington counties since 1984. The North Country SBDC is part of a statewide program funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the state of New York. Visit the North Country SBDC online at www.NorthCountrySBDC.org .