Minority Service Firm of the Year

Big Time Maintenance Solutions

A home-based business, Big Time Maintenance Solutions in Sapulpa, provides commercial janitorial and landscaping services. In the first nine months of operation, the business reported the creation of 20 jobs. Environmentally conscious, the business takes pride in its practice of using enviro-friendly products and services. Start-up challenges included reaching the decision makers of potential clients. To overcome this challenge, business owner Eugene Big Soldier began marketing the business as Veteran-Owned and it made a difference. We are proud to recognize Eugene Big Soldier as a successful entrepreneur and honor him as a distinguished U. S. Army Combat Veteran of Desert Storm.

Minority Sub-Contractor Firm of the Year

Central Oklahoma Fence, LLC

Established in 2008, Central Oklahoma Fence can turn your yard into an oasis while adding value, security and beauty to your home with high quality fencing and stylish automated entrance gates. The business has already expanded from a single 3,500 square foot facility to a three-acre office and warehouse complex. Sales are expected to exceed $2.5 million in 2011 because of the increased demand for its services from residential, commercial and government properties. Employment at Central Oklahoma Fence has risen from six to twenty with minorities representing over half the workforce. Ron Hubble, President, is a member of the Citizen Band Potawatomi Tribe and proud veteran of the Armed Forces.

Minority Construction Firm of the Year

G & A Native Enterprises

G & A Native Enterprises is a general contractor providing residential and commercial services. Federal contract awards include the Oklahoma City Veterans Hospital and Ft. Sill Army Base in Lawton, Oklahoma. Currently the company is establishing a presence with the Federal GSA for its polymer-based asphalt patching and soil stabilization products. G & A Native Enterprises also partners with the Chickasaw Nation in their re-entry program, encouraging the previously incarcerated to learn a skill. We honor G & A President, Tony Garrett, for serving in the U. S. Navy and as a Viet Nam veteran. After military service, he entered law enforcement and attended the FBI National Academy. His diversified experience sparked his entrepreneurial spirit and according to Tony, "It's been a wild ride and it's only just begun!"

Minority Rising Star Firm of the Year

Power Ready LLC

Refusing to never again be the victim of a power outage, Ginette Overall's resilience and Native American spirit rose to the top when she said, "As God is my witness, I will never be without power again!" In that moment, Power Ready was born. After four years, the business employs 15 fulltime with 100 plus sub-contractors serving residential to large commercial generators. Power Ready has also introduced a green energy system, a perfect alternative for smaller spaces like offices and condos. The company also takes pride in servicing life-sustaining power needs for people whose very life depends on reliable generators, like those on kidney dialysis or life support. Power Ready has also partnered with ABC's Extreme Home Makeover providing a generator for the project benefiting a Tulsa family. Power Ready is a "rising star" in the generator industry.

Minority Innovator of the Year

Neurolumen

Founded by chemist- biologist Shelly Henry, Neurolumen is low-level laser therapy, designed to restore quality of life to people suffering from pain and other debilitating conditions. Neurolumen is a breakthrough treatment for pain relief and rehabilitation that operates by delivering multiple modes of healing energy to affected tissues. The idea for the device came after her daughter suffered severe back injuries in a car accident. That's when Shelly began searching for alternatives to high doses of pain medication. Her innovation gained recognition in the Journal Record's Innovator of the Year competition in 2010 and we are proud to honor Shelly as NABEC's 2011 "Minority Innovator of the Year."

Minority Global Technology Firm of the Year

Muscogee Nation Business Enterprise

A tribally owned SBA 8 (a) certified company, Muscogee Nation Business Enterprise has two divisions: Professional Services and Life Safety & Security. The Professional Services Division provides information technology services, program management, scientific and research support and facility support services for state-side and international customers. The Life Safety & Security Division specializes in surveillance, access control and alert systems to schools, law enforcement, tribal governments and others. The firm is also a dealer of the WAVE, a wireless duress notification system, delivering instant notification to radios so officers can react immediately to a crisis. The Enterprise has grown from one employee in 2003 to 95 and it continues to secure contracts in foreign countries, like Iraq, providing IT and telecommunications support.

Minority Manufacturer of the Year

CND, LLC Manufacturing and Assembly

CND, LLC Manufacturing and Assembly, a sister company of Cherokee Nation Industries, is a supply chain management company that provides key equipment management, warehousing and distribution services at every level in the distribution chain. CND's foundation grew out of distribution of electronic connectors for the aerospace and defense industry but has expanded into additional distribution opportunities. These new opportunities include office supplies, electronic components, hardware and telecommunications accessories. In the past fiscal year, CND reports $29 million in revenue and current employment is 350 people in Stilwell. We are proud to honor this Native American-owned enterprise for 40 years of success and as our "Minority Manufacturer of the Year."

Advocate of the Year

John Blue

Serving as director of the Northeast Region of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center since 2003, John R. Blue is a resilient advocate for Oklahoma small businesses with a focus on Native American and minority-owned entrepreneurs. He assists them with business plan development, training, access to capital and procurement opportunities. John, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, graduated from Central State University in Edmond. He is a member of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce, serves as chairman of BRIDGE program in Tulsa and is a member of the American Indian Resource Center. John's work and programs are possible through the SBA, Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Northeastern State University. Oklahoma entrepreneurs can be proud to call John R. Blue a "friend and strong advocate."

Access to Capital Award

Bank2

Founded in 2002 and owned by the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, Bank2 has assets totaling nearly $100 million. In 2010, 89 percent of all loans made by Bank2 were to Native American individuals and companies. Projects funded included new medical equipment for a health care facility, fire prevention technologies, commercial construction and a gas pipeline distribution company has expanded its business and created new jobs. Bank2 has been recognized as the number one source for Native American home loans in the state. Bank2's desire to help families goes beyond providing banking services. Employees are often found participating in community projects like Habitat for Humanity, City Rescue Mission and other causes. Whether it's a helping hand, basic banking services or access to capital, Native Americans will find exactly what they need at our "Access to Capital Award" winner, Bank2.