Ponca City Development Authority 102 S. Fifth, Suite 3 Ponca City, OK 74601 580-765-7070

PONCA CITY BUSINESS NAMED          2004 NATIONAL FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR      Proving that family owned businesses are alive and well in the heartland - a Ponca City company, Stolhand Heating and Air Conditioning, has been named 2004 U.S. Small Business Administration Family-Owned Business Champion Award Winner.      Owners of the company, located at 413 South Third Street, are Darrell and Rhonda Stolhand. The nomination was by the Small Business Council, headed by Lisa Coy of Pioneer Technology Center. Committee members were Brad Parker, chairman-elect of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, and Tim Burg, assistant director for the Ponca City Development Authority.      Stolhand, which began here in 1977 by Darrel's father Fred, first won the Oklahoma SBA Award, and advanced to the U.S. Small Business Administration regional in Dallas.      The Stolhands were advised in a March 12 letter from Joseph O. Montes, regional administrator, that they were the recipients of the 2004 Regional VI SBA Family-Owned Small Business of the Year and the nomination had been advanced to the national level for judging.      The Ponca Citians were informed by letter Monday that they were national winners by Hector V. Barreto, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Washington, D.C.      On May 19, the Stolhands are to be honored at a luncheon at the 2004 Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.      Stolhand said, "It is a wonderful honor to be named as the recipient of the SBA Family Owned Business of the Year for District VI. We are indeed fortunate to live in the community such as this. We have always drawn our strength from the strong family values we have been so privileged to have in this community.      "We hope to continue to be worthy of such an award and will accept it on behalf of all companies in Ponca City that help comprise 'America's Family Business Heartland.'      "The Small Business Council is pleased to learn that the Stolhand Heat and Air Conditioning Inc. nomination has won not only the Region VI Award, but has been selected as the 2004 U.S. Small Business Administrations Family-Owned Business Champion Award winner," said Coy.      "When reviewing the criteria for the Award, the Council felt that the Stolhand Family exemplifies what Family Owned Business should be about: honesty, integrity and excellent customer service. Not only do they do a good job in their business, but they are actively involved and support our community. We are proud to have them here in Ponca City."      Burg said, "We are extremely pleased to learn of the SBA's recognition of the Stolhand Company on both a regional and national level. To see others become cognizant of what we've known for a long time is of a great satisfaction. I couldn't think of a more deserving company to receive these awards, as they represent part of what is so great about America's Family Business Heartland."      Brad Parker said, "Stolhand was the perfect company to nominate for the Ponca City area. They met all the criteria of a small family business. We are so proud they won the award not only on a regional basis but also at the national level."      The letter from the National SBA says in part; "Congratulations! It is a pleasure to inform you that you have been selected as the 2004 U.S. Small Business Administrations Family-Owned Business Champion Award winner. Your hard work, innovative ideas and dedication to your community have made you a success in your business and the U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to recognize you with this award."      National Small Business Week, first week in May, recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal achievements and contributions to our Nation's economy. The celebration will honor an estimated 23 million small businesses in America. Small businesses represent more than 99 percent of all employers, provide 75 percent of the new jobs, and generate a majority of American innovations.      Earlier this year, Stolhand Heating and Air Conditioning was honored as the Small Business of the Year at the Chamber Celebration. Darrell Stolhand was also the recipient of the Leadership Award. -Re-printed by permission from the Ponca City News March 24, 2004, story by Louise Abercrombie Chamber of Commerce | Relocating | Education © www.goponca.com - Ponca City Development Authority - Ponca City, Oklahoma