First Lady Cecilia Abbott Honors 2015 Governor’s Small Business Awards Winners

June 19, 2015 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

First Lady Cecilia Abbott honored the winners of the 2015 Governor’s Small Business Awards this week, emphasizing the important role small businesses play in the success of Texas’ economy.  Both events were hosted by the Texas Governor’s Office and the Texas Workforce Commission.

“Small businesses are crucial to our state’s economy and play an important role in the future of Texas,” said First Lady Abbott. “We believe in encouraging more Texans to invest in themselves and their communities, and that begins with policies that make it easier to start and grow a business. In Texas, we know that means low taxes and reasonable regulations. These policies not only benefit business owners, but also employees, their families, local communities, and the entire state. I can guarantee you that Governor Abbott will continue to make sure that Texas remains the model for doing business in the nation.”

On Tuesday, three Texas small businesses were presented with the Governor’s Small Business Award at the 2015 Texas Rural Challenge in Waco:

Free Flight Systems

Shield Bearer, Inc.

Taste Elevated

Thursday, seven women-owned small businesses based in Central Texas were awarded the 2015 Governor’s Small Business Award at the Governor’s Small Business Forum in Austin:

Latina Entrepreneurial Excellence Award: Rebecca Contreras of AvantGarde

Excellence in Veteran Engagement Award: Charmane Sellers of Aleon Properties, Inc.

Cultural Arts Excellence Award: Elizabeth Avellan of Troublemaker Studios

Excellence in Innovation Award: Rebecca and Elizabeth Arreaga of Mercury Mambo

Emerging Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award: Isabella Rose Taylor

Community Investment Excellence Award: Lauren Foster of Stretch Recipes, Inc.

Supplier of the Year Award: Harutunian Engineering, Inc.

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, in conjunction with the Texas Workforce Commission, hosts Governor’s Small Business forums throughout the year and all across Texas. The first 2015 Governor’s Small Business Forum was held in La Vernia on March 17, 2015, where the following Texas small businesses were named as 2015 Governor’s Small Business Award Winners:

O.G. Supply

Papa Dante’s Italian Restaurant

McMahan Welding Service, Ltd.

Cycle Ranch

Frames and Things

Hyde’s Hen House

Main Drug Company and Gift Shop

Power Plant Texas Grill

V.L.S. Industries

Martinez Highway 90 BBQ

Wendel Motor Company

The El Paso Governor’s Small Business Forum was held on April 16, 2015 and honored Texas small business that have been in business for longer than 25 years:

Good Luck Café

DWS Building Supply

Economy Cash & Carry

WestStar Bank

Pizza Properties DBA Peter Piper Pizza

More information on future 2015 forums.