TAMPA (May 16, 2014) – The Florida SBDC at University of South Florida honored Amy Diehl, President of AwnClean USA, and Judith Turner, President of e-construction group, Inc., at the 27th Annual Government Small Business Conference on Friday.

“Small businesses are the staples of our community, bringing jobs and economic opportunities,” Yanina Rosario, Associate Director of the Florida SBDC at USF, said.

At the annual awards luncheon, Diehl was recognized as the Woman Business Owner of the Year. AwnClean USA closed 2013 with $1.5 million in sales and started 2014 with a new division that is opening new business opportunities for the company. “For years, Amy has given of her time, effort and talent to community organizations that support kids,” Rosario added. The AwnClean USA team has volunteered numerous times to provide cleaner environments to organizations like Give Kids the World, Lockhart Elementary, and Hubbard House.

Turner was awarded the Veteran Business Owner of the Year award. Turner and e-construction group, Inc., closed 2013 with 19 employees and $1.4 million in sales. “Last year, e-construction group donated countless hours and more than $18,000 in labor and materials in rebuilding the home of an 87-year-old, Montford Point Marine veteran in St. Petersburg,” Rosario said.

The Government Small Business Conference is an annual event that features seminars related to government contracting for small businesses, and a tradeshow at which small business entrepreneurs can network with government entity and large corporation buyers. The event was held at Higgins Hall in Tampa.

Pictured: Robert Chavarria, Small Business Administration Senior Area Manager, Eileen Rodriguez, Regional Director Florida SBDC at USF, Amy Diehl, President AwnClean, USA, Yanina Rosario, Associate Director Florida SBDC at USF (Judith Turner, e-construction group, Inc. could not be present for the ceremony.)