SBA Names District Small Business Person of the Year
Photo: Roger Greenwald (SBDC), Linda McMahon (SBA), Eunice Choi (SBDC) and Gabe Ruiz (AITC)
Gabriel Ruiz of Advanced IT Concepts Receives Honor
Making headlines in the first quarter of 2017, Advanced IT Concept’s (AITC) President and CEO, Gabriel Ruiz LTC (Ret.), was named the 2017 Small Business Person for the North Florida District. The news was announced by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) North Florida District Office, which includes the top 43 counties of Florida covering Pensacola to Orlando and Jacksonville.
“Congratulations to LTC Ruiz on this recognition for his hard-work and dedication. This award is very competitive and our office received nominations from all over the northern part of the state. I look forward to presenting this award in May as we celebrate Small Business Week,” says Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, SBA District Director.
The North Florida District Office will present its business and lender recognition awards during the 2017 Small Business Week Celebration hosted by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of North Florida on May 4, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. Ruiz will be honored at a private event hosted by the SBDC at the University of Central Florida (UCF), on May 16, 2017 at the Citrus Club in Orlando, Florida.
“It is truly an honor to receive such a prestigious award. I have appreciated the support that I have received through the mentoring and advisory support from the SBDC at UCF, which has encouraged me as I have grown AITC to achieve greater success. I am truly grateful and honored to receive the award and represent the North District,” Says Ruiz.
Every year since 1963, the president of the United States has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week. National Small Business Week is set as the first week in May, and this year its April 30 – May 6, with national events planned in Washington, D.C., New York City, Indianapolis, Dallas and Fresno, California.
For a full list of winners for Small Business Person of the Year or for more information about National Small Business Week, please visit www.sba.gov/nsbw/nsbw.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America’s future, and to helping the United States compete in today’s global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam
About Advanced IT Concepts (AITC):
AITC is an SDVOSB and SBA 8(a) certified IT systems integrator, value-added reseller and service provider to federal, state and local governments. For more than 10 years, AITC draws upon significant telecommunications and Information Technology proven experience to ensure customers’ goals are met by delivering superior client services through a full suite of IT specialized services. For details, visit www.aitcinc.com.
