Local companies win awards
ALBANY, N.Y. » Three local small businesses were recognized during National Small Business Week at the U. S. Small Business Administration’s 20th Annual Small Business Excellence Awards luncheon in Albany on May 3.
Small businesses are selected for the Excellence Awards based on their company’s longevity, innovation, sales growth, increased employment, ability to overcome adversity or community contributions.
KeyBank, NA honored Tidy Tots, LLC based in Rensselaer with a 2018 Small Business Excellence Award. Tidy Tots manufactures cloth diapers but most importantly, these diapers have a disposable insert called “Flushies” that snaps and locks into place. That means no leaks. No diaper rash. No “ick- factor!” Flushies liners fasten securely without shifting or bunching. Tidy Tots diapers have won numerous awards and have been featured on several commercial and news stories. Owner Sandra Beck operates Tidy Tots out of Pine Ridge Industries at the Schenectady ARC location. ARC employees help manufacture the diapers. KeyBank recently provided financial assistance to Tidy Tots with an SBA guaranteed loan.
NY SBDC Albany honored Hankle Lumber, Inc. based in East Nassau with a 2018 Small Business Excellence Award. Members of the Hankle family have been logging timber in Northeastern NY since 1954. Hankle Lumber, Inc. expertly manufactures logs into premium wood products. The business produces both hardwood and softwood into rough cut and premium quality boards, flooring, paneling, plank flooring, wainscoting, and exterior siding. Customers include building contractors, government agencies and do-it-yourselfers. Competitive pricing, uncommon quality, and customer satisfaction have been the guiding principles for two generations. In 2017, owner Joseph Hankle contacted the Albany SBDC for business assistance. Along with financial assistance from the NYBDC, SBA and Rensselaer County, Joseph was able to increase inventory and upgrade equipment allowing for expansion of their hardwood flooring line. As a result, Hankle Lumber anticipates further expansion and job creation in eastern Rensselaer County.
Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company honored Pediatric Dental Group of New York based in Albany with a 2018 Small Business Excellence Award. The Pediatric Dental Group of New York has two locations in the Capital Region; one in Albany and a long standing location in Glens Falls, NY. In 2013, Dr. Sani secured financial assistance for the practice with Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company and SBA. The practice
is dedicated to the specialty of pediatric dentistry and strives to make each child’s first and subsequent visits as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Their goal is to provide optimal dental care in a gentle and caring manner to all patients, building healthy smiles that last a lifetime. The practice focuses on education, prevention, and early treatment.
“The 20th Annual Small Business Excellence Awards luncheon gives us the opportunity to celebrate our business community leaders for their small business successes,” said Bernard J. Paprocki, SBA Syracuse district director. “Small business owners develop deep community connections,
provide the critical backbone of our economy, employ local residents, and
contribute to the vibrancy and innovation of our nation.”