FASTSIGNS Irving (TX) Wins Blue Ribbon Small Business Award From The US Chamber Of Commerce

Blog Publisher’s comments:

Jeff Youngblood, mentioned below as one of the owners of the Irving (TX) FASTSIGNS franchise, is a “heck-of-a” smart guy and a very hardworking person. Prior to getting involved in his own FASTSIGNS franchise, he was involved in a corporate role with FASTSIGNS International. While at the corporate level (FASTSIGNS International, Dallas) he spearheaded corporate’s efforts to introduce and “roll-out” large-format digital printing services (equipment, consumables, media, software and business processes) to the FASTSIGNS franchise network. I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff back in 1995/6, when I worked for Express Color. Prior to joining FASTSIGNS International, Jeff was the General Manager of Express Color’s (EC Technologies’) location in Dallas. Prior to that, Jeff was a “digital services manager” at Thomas Reprographics, Dallas. Jeff had been with Thomas for (I think it was) around 10 years. Short to say, Jeff, prior to getting involved in his own FASTSIGNS franchise, had a ton of experience, both on the technology and software side of the business and on the “let’s get it done” side of the business.

Hearty congratulations to Jeff and Cory on the selection of their FASTSIGNS franchise as a Blue Ribbon Winner!

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FASTSIGNS Irving (TX) Wins Blue Ribbon Small Business Award From The Us Chamber Of Commerce

SOURCE: FASTSIGNS OF IRVING / LAS COLINAS, TX

In time for their 25th anniversary, the Irving FASTSIGNS sign and graphics center, owned by Jeff Youngblood and Cory Merchant, has been named a winner of the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Nominated by the Irving Chamber of Commerce, FASTSIGNS of Irving is one of only 75 companies in the United States to be named a Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winner. Selected for their innovative business practices and strong contributions to the community, this is the second time that the Irving FASTSIGNS received this honor.

"This is such a huge honor for us," said Youngblood. "Owning a small business comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, but receiving recognition of this magnitude is beyond gratifying. Cory and I are so proud of this team and their hard work—in the office and in the community."

Sponsored by Sam's Club, the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award honors 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. The award is part of the Chamber's Small Business of the Year selection process.

"The recipients of this year's Blue Ribbon Award excelled in business amid great uncertainty and thrived despite difficult economic times," said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO. "More important than profits, their successes have provided much-needed jobs and hope to the people in their communities."

The Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners will be honored at America's Small Business Summit 2012, which will be held May 21 – 23, in Washington, D.C. On March 15, seven of the Blue Ribbon recipients will be announced as award finalists, and one will then be named the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year. That winner will be awarded a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.