Alabama State University News May 8, 2018 SBDC Client Honored by U.S. Small Business Administration A client of Alabama State University's Small Business Development Center has been honored nationally for his success. ****** Alabama State University's Small Business Development Center's (ASU SBDC) client Charles W. Underwood, II, owner of C&R Movers, LLC of Montgomery, was honored as U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2018 "Alabama Person of the Year." U.S. SBA Administrator Linda McMahon presented the award to Underwood on April 30 in Washington, D.C., during National Small Business Week. McMahon acknowledged Underwood for his innovative ideas, dedication to his employees, the effective growth of his company and positive impact of strengthening Alabama's economy. "Since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week. SBA recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal successes and contributions to our nation," said McMahon. C & R Movers, LLC, founded in 2014, provides nationwide moving and storage services for government and commercial customers. On May 3, Thomas Todt, District Director for the SBA's Alabama District presented Underwood with an award from the SBA Alabama District Office honoring him as the SBA 2018 "Small Business Person of the Year" for the State of Alabama during the SBDC Better Business Conference. This award was presented during the ASU SBDC National Small Business Week Better Business Conference held in the ASU Dunn-Oliver Acadome Banquet Room. "Mr. Underwood's story is a great one," said Todt. "He had some aggressive growth plans, kept his eye on the prize, and worked through a lot of adversity with help from SBA resource partners." "We are so proud of Mr. Underwood's achievement and business growth," said Andrea Rogers Mosley, director of the Small Business Development Center. "It is a well-deserved award. His hard work, perseverance and sure belief in his ability led to his success." Underwood was recommended for the award by ASU SBDC Procurement Specialist Thomas Taylor. "Mr. Underwood has raised the bar for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to do business with the federal government. While utilizing the technical skills learned from working for one of the nation's leading moving providers and the assistance received from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Alabama State University and its Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), Mr. Underwood has accomplished much in a very short period of four years," said Taylor. "During critical periods of major financial challenges, Mr. Underwood was able to lead his business in an exemplary manner by creating jobs and providing impeccable service to his federal and commercial customers," he added. In addition to his work, Underwood has been deeply committed to and involved in the "Move for Hunger" and the Alabama Trucking Association initiatives in the Alabama area. For these efforts, Underwood was also acknowledged last year as the 2017 "Procurement Small Business of the Year" for the ASU SBDC. "He has truly earned the respect and gratitude of those for whom he serves," said Mosley. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/