U.S. Chamber Names Seven Regional Finalists for 2010 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced today the seven finalists for the 2010 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award. The winning company will be named during America's Small Business Summit 2010, May 17–19, in Washington, D.C., and will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of Sam's Club®.

"These finalists are among the best small businesses in America," said Thomas J. Donohue, the U.S. Chamber's president and CEO. "They are the nation's doers, dreamers, and innovators. Their vision and hard work will help lift this country out of recession and create the 20 million jobs we desperately need in the next decade."

The 2010 finalists, listed by region, are as follows:

• Northwest: Meier Architecture • Engineering, Kennewick, Washington
• Eastern: Wolfe Laboratories, Inc., Watertown, Massachusetts
• Midwest: ORBIT Systems, Inc., Eagan, Minnesota
• Western: AArrow Advertising LLC., San Diego, California
• Great Lakes: Quality Float Works, Schaumburg, Illinois
• Southeastern: Financial Information Technologies, Inc. (Fintech), Tampa, Florida
• Southwest & South Central: Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates, Wichita, Kansas

The 2010 finalists were selected from the U.S. Chamber's 75 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award® winners. One finalist will be named the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year on May 18 during America's Small Business Summit and presented with a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of Sam's Club. The winner of the Community Excellence Award, decided by public online voting from March 1 to 12, will also be announced.

The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club, pays tribute to businesses showcasing exemplary practices in several areas, including employee development, community involvement, customer service, and strategy.

To learn more about America's Small Business Summit, visit www.uschambersummit.com.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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