Ten Small Businesses Honored for Outstanding Achievements BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE) March, 19, 2001 -- FleetBoston Financial Corp`s Small Business Services group today announced the ten small businesses in the Northeast region being recognized in the Fleet Small Business Leadership Awards program. Each business will receive $10,000 in recognition of their individual achievements, a $10,000 donation in the small business` name to a charitable organization of their choice and a trip for two to Bermuda for an official awards ceremony. Fleet established the Fleet Small Business Leadership Awards program to showcase the businesses that make up the fabric of the small business landscape and underscore Fleet`s commitment to helping small businesses prosper. "These entrepreneurs have made incredible contributions to our economy while demonstrating leadership and good corporate citizenship in their communities," said Senator John F. Kerry, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Small Business Community. "I an pleased that Fleet is recognizing and rewarding these leaders -- and I hope that by recognizing them as corporate role models, Fleet is encouraging other business owners to make similar contributions in their own communities. Small businesses are the engine of growth that drives our region`s economy -- these companies prove they can also help make our communities stronger, and we should continue to use both public and private investments to help them in their mission as entrepreneurs and as citizens." A panel of impartial judges, comprised of business leaders and influencers from across the Northeast, selected Fleet`s Small Business Leadership Award s winners. The panel met on March 8 to review finalists from a pool of 1,200 nominations and determine ten winners. Judges were asked to review the Award Entry Kit and rank entrant responses based on their ability to demonstrate how the small business made a difference or excelled in the category in which they were nominated. Categories included technological innovations, community involvement, exceptional employee relations, significant revenue growth and innovative business practices. As one of the recipients:
CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO REVIEW CORP., Locust Valley, NY - Recognized for its significant revenue growth, this registered investment advisory firm has achieved success simply by practicing what it preaches to its clients - achieve fiscal fitness through planning, implementing and proper coaching. Founder Monroe Diefendorf and his employees live by core values that stem from ethical practices and respect for the client.
FleetBoston Financial is headquartered in Boston and the seventh-largest financial holding company in the United States. FleetBoston Financial is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: FBF).