WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 8, 2024, the Small Business Council of America (SBCA) held its 41th Annual Public Affairs Day and Congressional Awards Reception at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. The SBCA is a national non-partisan 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 Bob Casey (D-PA) was awarded the SBCA’s Special Congressional Award in recognition of his support of small business issues on the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). Senator Casey was previously recognized with the SBCA’s Congressional Award in 2018 and was recognized for his continued efforts to ensure that small business interests and voices are heard and taken into account when considering tax and benefits issues.
Senator Todd Young (R-IN) was awarded the SBCA’s Congressional Award for his effort to ensure that small businesses continue to play a key role in the American economy. Senator Young was honored for his commitment to helping new small businesses grow and thrive, including through his sponsorship of the bi-partisan Investing in Main Street Act.
Congressman Darin LaHood (R-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. Congressman LaHood was acknowledged for his work to ensure that small businesses are treated fairly under federal law and not subjected to unnecessary or unreasonable burdens under federal law.
Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) was awarded the SBCA Congressional Award for his work as a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus to support common sense bi-partisan solutions to the challenges faced by America’s small businesses. Congressman Panetta was applauded in particular for his efforts to preserve the step-up in basis for family-owned farms and small businesses.
The SBCA’s Mort Harris Small Business of the Year Award was presented to GOAT USA of Plainview, New York. The award was presented to GOAT USA’s three co-owners, Dylan McLaughlin, Rich Alfaro and T.J. Cristina, who in just a few short years grew their company from selling t-shirts at sports events into a nationally recognized and marketed brand.
The SBCA’s Carrey Family Humanitarian of the Year Award was presented to Sean Abrusci of Rockaway, New Jersey. Mr. Abrusci is a U.S. Marine veteran and founder of Abrusci’s Coffee. After serving with distinction in Afghanistan, Mr. Abrusci has devoted much of his time and resources to helping prevent veteran suicide. Proceeds from Abrusci’s Coffee support local nonprofit organizations servicing veterans and first responder communities. 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. Abrusci with a significant contribution from the Chris Carrey Charitable Foundation for Reps for Responders, which works to help veterans and first responders combat suicide and substance abuse.
The SBCA also presented a Special Humanitarian Award to SBCA Director Neil Carrey. The SBCA’s Carrey Family Humanitarian of the Year Award was the brainchild of Mr. Carrey who, together with his family, has championed and helped to fund the award for almost 20 years. The award is one of the most meaningful presented by the SBCA and has provided critical funds and recognition to a wide range of incredible small business philanthropists and non-profit organizations.
The SBCA’s Connie Murdoch Award was presented to SBCA’s Co-Vice President for Membership Christina Woskobojnik of Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Ms. Woskobojnik received the award in recognition of her commitment to helping the SBCA grow and expand its membership and to continue to position itself as a leading voice for small business in Washington.
The Congressional Awards Reception concluded with the SBCA’s presentation of a Special Recognition Award to outgoing SBCA chair Paula Calimafde of Bethesda, Maryland in recognition of her unparalleled dedication and service to the SBCA in serving as the group’s Chair, public face and spirit for more than 30 years. The SBCA is glad to announce that Ms. Calimafde will continue her active involvement with the SBCA in her new role as its Senior Policy Director.
The SBCA offers congratulations to all of its 2024 award winners.