Jim Blasingame Named 2002 Small
Business Journalist of the Year.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has selected Jim Blasingame as the 2002 Small Business Journalist of the Year. Blasingame is the creator and host of the nationally syndicated radio/Internet talk show, The Small Business Advocate, publisher of the weekly ezine, The Small Business Advocate NEWSLETTER, and author of Small Business Is Like A Bunch Of Bananas (SBN Books). The award was presented during Small Business Week (May 6-10, 2002) in Washington, D.C.,

“ This award is given annually to a journalist whose work goes the furthest to increase public understanding of the role of small business in the U.S. economy,” said Hector Barreto, SBA Administrator. “Jim Blasingame's unstinting support of our efforts at the SBA is only exceeded by his passion for helping entrepreneurs follow their dreams. We are fortunate to have such an advocate, and this award is a tribute to Jim's significant contribution to small business and the marketplace of ideas.”

“I want to thank the SBA for honoring me with this prestigious award,” said Blasingame. “It’s always gratifying when the work one does receives recognition, but especially so for me when it comes from the dedicated professionals at the Small Business Administration. I have the highest regard for my friends and fellow travelers at the SBA. The work they do is very important, and they do it with great passion and commitment.”

“You don't have to be around Jim Blasingame for very long to realize just how hard he works for small business, through both his excellent talk show and prolific writing,” said Tom Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA. “It's exciting to see someone so deserving receive this award.”

Wilma Goldstein, Associate Administrator for Women’s Business Ownership at the SBA calls Blasingame, "“…a tireless advocate for all small business owners, who always finds a way to give something extra in support of women entrepreneurs. Jim truly has earned this award."”

Fortune Small Business magazine identified Blasingame as one of the 30 most influential people in America representing small business, and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) recently named Blasingame to its Global Consumer Advisory Board, a group of 14 experts from around the world.

Small Business Network, Inc. produces and distributes multi-media small business content, including The Small Business Advocate show, which is nationally syndicated on radio weekdays from 6-9am Eastern, plus live and archived worldwide over the Internet. IBM is a sponsor of The Small Business Advocate show, as is Palo Alto Software, makers of Business Plan Pro 2002.

“Few are the radio hosts and journalists who can not only command the attention of government and business leaders… but also lead the discussions in such a way that makes the information pertinent and understandable to even novice entrepreneurs,” says Jeffrey D. Zbar, the 2001 Small Business Journalist of the Year. “Whether it’s on his show or in his writing, Jim plays that role perfectly. Jim is a true ‘Renaissance Man.’ His ability to weave tales from history into today’s current business climate and economic events makes his writing that much more engaging, insightful, and educational, and simply fun.”

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