Chester County SCORE Honors Local Businesses at Recent Awards Luncheon

WEST CHESTER, Pa., June 12, 2013 -- Chester County SCORE, a nonprofit organization providing free professional business counseling services to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Chester County, held its third annual Awards Luncheon on May 30, 2013 at West Chester University's Dr. Edwin Cotrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center. Citadel Federal Credit Union and West Chester University co-sponsored the event.

As in past years, SCORE honored several local small businesses that have benefited from Chester County SCORE's free counseling services and that have enjoyed substantial growth and continued success throughout the year.  The three winners of this year’s awards are:

• By Design Dental Implants, King of Prussia, Pa.                      
• Waste Oil Recyclers, Modena, Pa.
• Helen J. Semus, Financial Adviser, Edward Jones, Glenmoore, Pa.

Federal, state and local elected officials, as well as educational, community and business leaders from around the county, were on hand to congratulate the award winners and to recognize SCORE for the valuable contributions it makes year after year to the small business community in Chester County.  

Receiving special recognition from SCORE for encouraging small business development were Peggy Alvarez, the entrepreneur teacher at Downingtown East High School and advisor to Cougar Corporation, a student-run business, and Karl Hilliard, Cougar’s “president” this year.   Under Alvarez’s guidance, Cougar Corp. provides students with real-life experience in running their own business. Established with the assistance of the Exton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Cougar Corp. is a non-profit organization that donates its revenues to local charities at the end of each school year, contributing more than $14,000 over the past three years.

Each of the honorees also received special citations from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Robert Fedor, Chester County SCORE's co-chairman, continues to be impressed by the outstanding caliber of the honorees: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and these individuals exemplify the success that can be achieved through creativity, ingenuity and determination.” 

About Score

SCORE is a not-for-profit, national organization of volunteer entrepreneurs and business executives applying their life experiences and knowledge to mentor individuals planning to start a small business, or small business owners who seek assistance in solving business issues.  The SCORE chapter serving Chester County has more than 60 experienced entrepreneurial counselors with expertise in almost every facet of business. Since 1964, Herndon, Va.-based SCORE has assisted more than 7.8 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.  More than 13,000 volunteer business counselors in 334 chapters nationwide serve their communities through education and no-cost personal coaching sessions dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses. 

To schedule a personal session with a counselor or learn about small business education programs, call Chester County SCORE at 610-344-6910.  Online, visit Chester County SCORE at www.chestercounty.score.org or SCORE national at www.score.org. 

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