U.S. Chamber Honor Small Business Owners for Triumph Over Adversity

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The MassMutual Financial Group and the United States Chamber of Commerce today honored six small business owners with the national Blue Chip Enterprise Award at a ceremony held during the U.S. Chamber's Nation's Business Summit. Co-sponsored by MassMutual and the Chamber, the annual award program recognizes entrepreneurs nationwide for succeeding in the face of serious challenges and adversity. This year's national winners are:

Splash Car Wash, Greenwich, Conn.
Sapp Bros. Leasing, Indianapolis, Ind.
Action Disposal Services, Moncks Corner, S.C.
The Emerald Dolphin, Skokie, Ill.
R.C.D. Cleaning Service, Inc., Phoenix, Ariz.
Skagen Designs, Ltd., Reno, Nev.
"MassMutual is pleased to once again honor a group of small businesses for their persistence and commitment. They demonstrate daily the attributes that are critical to business success and, more importantly, to individual growth. Our congratulations go to each of them," said MassMutual Senior Vice President Burvin E. Pugh.

Established in 1990, the contest to date has awarded 44 companies with national Blue Chip awards and nearly 2,000 companies with state awards. "Over the last decade, the Blue Chip Award has emerged as a symbol of inspiration, dedication, resourcefulness and perseverance for the nation's small business community. The Chamber is proud to be a co-sponsor of this important recognition program," said Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue.

The MassMutual Financial Group is one of the nation's premier financial service companies. MassMutual offers life and disability income protection, asset accumulation products, and retirement and investment management services to individuals, businesses, and their employees. MassMutual has over 1,200 sales offices nationwide.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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