Press Releases

Guidant Financial Group Receives Blue Ribbon Small Business Award

WASHINGTON, DC (February 28, 2008) — Guidant Financial Group in Bellevue, Washington has been honored today with a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business Award for the second time in two years. The award was given in recognition of the company’s dedication to excellence in several categories.

“Winners of the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award represent the country’s finest small business success stories,” said Tom Donohue, Chamber president and CEO. “Small businesses are the backbone of America’s economy, representing more than 99% of all employers, creating three-fourths of all new jobs, and accounting for more than one-half of the nation’s gross domestic product.”

The Blue Ribbon Small Business Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club, was designed to honor businesses that excel in a variety of selection criteria, including financial performance and business history, staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and business planning.

“We are honored to have received this award for the second time in two years,” says Guidant Financial Group CEO David Nilssen. “Guidant’s employees are dedicated to exemplary customer service and community involvement through an employee-led charitable committee. An award like this is really a testament to our staff and the great work that they do.”

Winners of the award from around the country will be honored at America’s Small Business Summit 2008 April 16 – 18, in Washington, D.C. The award is part of the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year selection process. One Blue Ribbon Small Business will be selected from each of seven regions as a finalist for the U.S. Chamber Small Business of the Year Award. The finalists will be announced on March 7.

“The Blue Ribbon Small Business award allows us to honor the tireless efforts of America’s small businesses,” said Donohue. “Guidant Financial Group proves that a business can make a significant difference in its community.”