Small Business Owners and Supporters Honored at Awards Ceremony
MARSHALL — Small businesses are the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, and on Tuesday, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Minnesota Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) came together to honor the achievements of small business owners and supporters in southwest Minnesota.
The awards ceremony, held at Southwest Minnesota State University, was part of National Small Business Week, which aims to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and supporters across the nation.
Among the honorees were Layne Lozinski, founder of Maxx Drainage, LLC, who was named the SBA’s Minnesota Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and Terri Wood, owner of Woody’s Trucking, Inc., who received the SBA Minnesota District Office Women-Owned Small Business of the Year award.
In addition to the individual awards, the Southwest SBDC team was recognized with the Minnesota Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Center Award. The SBDC provides consulting, training, and research services to small business owners across an 18-county region in southwest Minnesota.
SBDC State Director Andy Donahue praised the Southwest SBDC team for their integrity, teamwork, and professionalism, noting their ability to navigate various challenges, including disaster relief, agriculture, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Award recipients expressed gratitude and pride for the recognition, with Layne Lozinski describing the honor as a unique and unexpected achievement for his agricultural business in a small sector of the economy.
Terri Wood, whose business has grown to a fleet of 18 trucks serving 40 states, credited hard work, dedication, and faith for her success, emphasizing the importance of working alongside her husband to build their business.
Overall, the awards ceremony served as a celebration of the resilience and innovation displayed by small business owners and supporters in southwest Minnesota, highlighting their vital contributions to the local economy.