Minnesota’s Permac Industries Wins U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 17, 2008 Contact: John Reid/ Katie Wilson U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Minnesota’s Permac Industries Wins U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award WASHINGTON, D.C.—Permac Industries of Burnsville, Minnesota won the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award. The company was honored today during an awards dinner at America’s Small Business Summit 2008 in Washington, D.C. “Permac Industries epitomizes America’s spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship,” said Tom Donohue, the U.S. Chamber’s president and CEO. “I commend Darlene Miller and her team for their remarkable dedication to their employees, their customers, and their community.” The Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club, was designed to honor businesses that demonstrate excellence in a variety of criteria, including financial performance and business history, staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and business planning. The seven finalists for this national prize were selected from the regional winners of the U.S. Chamber Blue Ribbon Small Business Award. In particular, the company was noted for its extraordinary commitment to its employees and its community involvement, providing its staff with excellent benefits and demonstrating a strong desire to build a rewarding work environment. Through philanthropy like the establishment of Hope for Tomorrow, a mentoring program for at-risk girls, everyone at Permac is encouraged to give back to the community. Led by President and Owner Darlene Miller, Permac has grown from a simple crew machine shop into a state-of-the-art precision machining company. At a time when the manufacturing industry faces challenges, Permac Industries continues to find new customers and increase sales. The company doubled the size of its plant in 2007 and increased profits by 15%. “From Darlene’s recent visit to the White House to meet with President Bush about the economic stimulus package, to the implementation of a profit-sharing plan for employees, Permac exemplifies the vital role of small businesses to American jobs and growth,” Donohue concluded. To learn more about America’s Small Business Summit 2008 visit www.uschambersummit.com. To access event photos, visit www.uschamber.com/press/photos. The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region www.uschamber.com

 

Washington, DC, USA – April 17, 2008: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Awards dinner honoring seven regional finalists and Darlene Miller of Permac Industries in Burnsville, MN. Photo by Ian Wagreich / © U.S. Chamber of Commerce