MASSACHUSETTS EXPORT CENTER WINS FIRST IN THE NATION AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION

U.S. Small Business Administration To Honor Paula Murphy At D.C. Event

BOSTON – Monday, April 21, 2008 – Today the Massachusetts Export Center will receive the first in the nation Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Service Excellence and Innovation Award.  The Washington D.C. award event, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be attended by hundreds from around the nation.

The SBDC Service Excellence and Innovation Award honors Small Business Development Centers for their innovation and excellence in assisting entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their business goals. Nominations were submitted by a range of business, trade and/or professional organizations to recognize the SBDC’s successes.  The Massachusetts Export Center is the grand winner of this national award.

“We are proud of this recognition that the Massachusetts Export Center has earned nationally for its hard work to help small businesses export their goods all over the world,” said Secretary Daniel O’Connell, Governor Patrick’s chief housing and economic development advisor.  “Under the leadership of Paula Murphy, the Export Center has proven to be a key resource for small businesses as well as trade and professional associations.”

The Massachusetts Export Center is a part of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) network, a partnership of the United States Small Business Administration, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and a consortium of institutions of higher education led by the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.