Every year I say this, and every year it is more true:  The Entrepreneurial Awards issue is particularly special and my very favorite.  Small business is a major interest for many of you, and for me it’s become close to a passion.  I realize that presently in Michigan well over 50 percent of the employees are employed by small business.  I also know that nearly all of the new jobs in the state are coming from the small business sector.  As a result, the success of small businesses will have an impressive impact on the state’s economic well-being.

The Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards evening provides a glimpse into building a small business --the difficulties to overcome and the rewards of success.  It is heartwarming and inspiring to hear the stories the recipients share as they accept their awards.  An award winner might speak about starting a business in the basement and even from the trunk of a car, about borrowing money from relatives, and about cashing in one’s pension.  Sometimes a proposed business might seem at inception to be too unusual to succeed, but does so by filling a niche no one else has seen before.  Often recipients fight back tears as they deal with the emotion of this award from their peers.  To a person they thank their employees, who helped them succeed and are there to help them continue that success.

Small business is all about the people keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive and the community that supports them.  That’s the reason this award evening is so close to my heart.  Thank you to others who join me in realizing the importance of our area’s small businesses and supporting them.  Special thanks go to our sponsors [name here] Thank you to previous award recipients who join us that evening to encourage this year’s winners and finalists.  I’m particularly proud of  Stacy Adado and the entire staff at The Greater Lansing Business Monthly; they take a great deal of pride in the Entrepreneurial Awards process and culminating evening and have made it a business showplace for mid-Michigan.

Enjoy this month’s magazine with its interesting and inspiring articles, and I hope you have a very prosperous month.

		Chris Holman Publisher