Congratulations to 2011 KSBDC Pacesetters

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 27, 2011) — This year, the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (KSBDC), a unit of the University of Kentucky 's Office of Commercialization and Economic Development, inducted eight high performing second-stage businesses into the fourth class of the Pacesetter Business Recognition Program. 

The winners represent a diverse group of businesses from across the Commonwealth that are strengthening our economy and our communities.  They were recognized at the Kentucky Celebrates Small Businesses event, which was held at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort earlier this month.

Gov. Steve Beshear declared May 11 as Small Business Day in Kentucky.  Last week, May 16-20, was National Small Business Week.

The Pacesetter Business Recognition Program recognizes Kentucky-based 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.  The businesses inducted into this year’s Pacesetter Business Recognition Program are: DMD Data Systems, Frankfort; EHI Consultants LLC, Lexington; Capital Cellars, Frankfort; Geothermal Supply Co., Horse Cave; Fast Process Service LLC, Louisville; Puzzle’s Fun Dome, Louisville; Earl G. Dumplin’s, Scottsville; and Shelby Industries LLC, Shelbyville. 

Winners had to meet the minimum qualifications of a second-stage business to be considered for the award.  A second-stage business is one that has survived the start-up phase and is continuing to grow operations.  They must have sales meeting or exceeding $500,000, employ six or more individuals and have been in business for three years. Profiles of the inductees are available at http://bit.ly/pacesetter.

The Pacesetter Business Recognition Program and the Kentucky Celebrates Small Businesses event are a collaborative effort between the KSBDC and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Kentucky Small Business Development Center is a network of 16 offices located throughout the Commonwealth that help existing and start-up businesses succeed by offering high quality, in-depth and hands-on services.  These services include:  no-cost confidential business consultations, affordable business workshops and seminars, research to make informed business decisions and valuable resources.  For more information, visit www.ksbdc.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Carl Nathe, (859) 257-1754, ext. 238;  or Sarah Magargee-Hineman, (859) 257-7661