WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 7, 2025, the Small Business Council of America (SBCA) held its 42nd Annual Public Affairs Day and Congressional Awards Reception at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. The SBCA is a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization which has represented the interests of more than 100,000 privately held and family-owned organizations exclusively on federal tax, employee benefit and health care issues for the last four decades.
The SBCA’s Congressional Awards Reception is a highlight of the SBCA’s annual calendar, bringing together the small business community to recognize members of Congress and small business owners for their contributions and achievements.
The SBCA presented the following awards during its Congressional Awards Reception:
Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) was awarded the SBCA’s Congressional Award in recognition of his support of small business issues on the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Community Development Caucus, which he co-chairs. Throughout his time in the Senate, Senator Warner has demonstrated his commitment to making sure that small businesses have access to capital and opportunities to grow and thrive.
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) was awarded the SBCA’s Congressional Award for his efforts to ensure that small businesses continue to serve as the backbone of the American economy. Senator Cassidy was honored for his commitment to helping small businesses succeed in uncertain times, including through his bipartisan sponsorship of the Helping Small Businesses THRIVE Act.
Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL) was awarded the SBCA’s Congressional Award for his commitment to small business issues as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Problem Solvers Caucus. Congressman Schneider was acknowledged for his clear understanding of the way federal tax laws impact small businesses and his efforts to secure fair treatment for small businesses in this area.
Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) was awarded the SBCA Congressional Award for her work as vice-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus and member of the Ways and Means Committee to support common sense bipartisan solutions to the challenges faced by America’s small businesses and their owners, including increasing the deduction for State and Local Taxes (SALT).
The SBCA’s Mort Harris Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Fred and Lisa Giachetti owners of Del Vino Vineyards in Northport, New York. Del Vino Vineyards has, since its founding in 2018, been a cornerstone of community enrichment and sustainability. Del Vino has proudly employed approximately 150 residents annually, fostering economic growth and creating opportunities in its local area. Del Vino, its staff and the Giachetti family are dedicated to giving back through numerous charitable initiatives. They donate year-round to fundraisers in support of causes that uplift and strengthen their community. Their annual toy drive brings joy to underprivileged children, and De Vino opens its vineyard during the holidays to welcome those who may not otherwise experience such celebrations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Del Vino also provided meals to frontline workers. Del Vino Vineyards has been recognized with numerous prestigious accolades and has, through its success, strengthened other local small businesses by becoming a destination that brings visitors to the area. Del Vino Vineyards has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and its prioritization of eco-friendly practices. With its dedication to community, sustainability and excellence, Del Vino Vineyards is a shining example of the positive impact small businesses can have on their communities and beyond.
The SBCA’s Carrey Family Humanitarian of the Year Award was presented to Abe Kasbo of Summit, New Jersey. As a Syrian immigrant Mr. Kasbo has been committed not only to supporting other immigrants as they start their lives in a new country but also to educating the public about the immigrant experience. Mr. Kasbo is the founder of Only One Tooth Brush, a philanthropic effort aimed to distribute toothbrushes to Syrian refugees in Germany, Canada, and the United States. Mr. Kasbo also co-wrote and directed A Thousand and One Journeys: The Arab Americans, a film that describes the untold story of almost 200 years of the contributions that those who immigrated to the United States from the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf have made to the American fabric. Thanks to the generous contributions of the SBCA, SBCA Director Neil Carrey and his wife, Karen Carrey, and many SBCA members, the SBCA was able to present Mr. Kasbo with a significant contribution from the Chris Carrey Charitable Foundation for Seton Hall University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship which works to prepare the next generation of small business leaders.
The SBCA’s Connie Murdoch Award was presented to longtime SBCA Board Member Marc Feinberg, Esq. of Bethesda, Maryland. The Award, named in honor of one of the SBCA’s founders, is the highest award presented by the SBCA to one of its own members. Mr. Feinberg received the award in recognition of his commitment to helping the SBCA educate lawmakers and advocate for key changes to federal tax law. Mr. Feinberg is a recognized expert in the estate tax area and is currently leading the SBCA’s charge to make the laws regarding required distributions from retirement plans and IRAs logical and understandable.
The SBCA offers congratulations to all of its 2025 award winners.
Click here for photos from the 42nd Annual Congressional Awards Reception.