Advocates of Small Business to Be Honored

Ten winners have been selected by the Los Angeles District of the Small Business Administration to be honored at a luncheon during Small Business Week, May 6 to 12.

The advocate awards are part of the events surrounding the SBA’s Small Business Week, a tradition that began in 1964. This year’s theme is Small Business: Leading America Into the 21st Century.

Barry M. Gump, chief executive of Andy Gump Inc. in Canyon Country, was chosen Small Business Person of the Year. Gump’s firm provides portable toilets and temporary power equipment.

The accountant advocate is Richard Suarez Jr., who is an audit partner with BDO Seidman in Torrance. L. Fargo Wells, director of the California Export Finance Office, was named financial services advocate for the district and for the nation. Steven L. A. Stallings, president of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development in El Monte, was chosen as minority advocate.

Maxine Weinman, owner of Maxine’s Seafood Cafe in Hollywood, was named the women in business advocate. Roberta Best, vice president of Romac Export Management Corp. in Los Angeles, was chosen export advocate. Stephen Smith, editor in chief of American Veteran Newspaper, was named veteran advocate.

Ken Gootnick of Canoga Park was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He is president and founder of It’s All Greek to Me, a stuffed animal manufacturer.

Conroy’s Inc. of Long Beach will be honored for achieving entrepreneurial success. The company is a leading flower shop franchiser.

Jane Applegate, the syndicated small business columnist for the Los Angeles Times, was named media advocate for her weekly column.

The luncheon, which begins at 11:15 a.m., is at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. It is co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and is open to the public. The cost is $35 a ticket. For reservations and information call (213) 629-0685.