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| Matt Albuquerque |
Citing the company’s innovation and perseverance, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has named Manchester, N.H.-based Next Step Orthotics & Prosthetics as one of the seven regional finalists for the 2011 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, these seven small businesses are recognized for their innovative business practices and their role in re-energizing the nation’s economy.
“Next Step Orthotics & Prosthetics has turned a dream into a reality through hard work and perseverance,” Thomas J. Donohue, the U.S. Chamber’s president and chief executive officer, stated in a press release. “It is a true leader in our economic recovery, and we honor Next Step Orthotics & Prosthetics employees, and an American dream that is alive and stronger than ever.”
The U.S. Chamber will announce one finalist as the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award winner at America’s Small Business Summit, May 23-25, in Washington, D.C. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.
“We are truly honored to be recognized with such a prestigious award and are thrilled to be able to represent the entire Eastern region in May to promote the good work of all small businesses in the region,” Matt Albuquerque, CPO, Next Step president, stated in a press release. “This award is testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff and the importance of our mission — to consistently innovate so that our clients may lead happier, active and more fulfilled lives.”
“Being recognized throughout the country for the work we do means a great deal to the profession as well,” he told O&P Business News.
“I’m really proud of the fact that our profession is being recognized on a national level,” Albuquerque said. “I want to use this as a platform to get everybody to understand what a wonderful profession it is, [and] the impact that we make, not only on our patients but on our community.
“Everybody that finds out about what we do thinks it’s wonderful, but nobody knows about us. I hope that this gets us on the map.”
According to a press release, Next Step Orthotics & Prosthetics was selected from a record number of nationwide applicants this year. The company already received a Blue Ribbon Small Business Award from the U.S. Chamber and is still in the running for the U.S. Chamber’s Community Excellence Award, which is being announced at the Summit based on online public voting that ended March 11.
The U.S. Chamber’s awards program is designed to honor the nation’s job creators and recognize their significant contributions as drivers of economic growth.
