Praetorian Group Named DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year by U.S. Chamber

San Francisco-based Online Media Company Receives Award at America’s Small Business Summit 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C.—At America’s Small Business Summit today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented Praetorian Group with the 2013 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club®.  The award honors the San Francisco-based online media company for showcasing exemplary business practices in the areas of staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and business strategy.

“Today the U.S. Chamber is proud to honor Praetorian Group for its leadership in its local community over the past fourteen years,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “Praetorian Group is a shining example of a small business that has succeeded through hard work, sound business judgment, quality customer service, and a commitment to their employees.”

Founded in 1999, the Praetorian Group provides online resources and cutting-edge information to first responders to help them stay safe and protect their communities. Praetorian owns and operates 25 websites focused on specific public safety markets, including firefighter rehabilitation, first responder grants, and volunteer firefighting. All told, its websites reach 3 MM unique visitors each month. Led by co-founder and CEO Alex Ford, Praetorian has expanded from 2 employees to 56 over the past fourteen years.

Praetorian Group was the Western Regional Finalist in 2011. In August 2012, they made the decision to launch an online resource for military personnel, www.Military1.com. The site officially launched on Veterans Day and now has 150,000 registered members and 24,000 Facebook fans.

More information on the award and America's Small Business Summit is available at: www.uschambersummit.com.

Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation’s eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 34 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple®, visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam’s Club on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and our Mobile and iPad® Apps.

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.