Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently acknowledged the 2024 Phoenix Award winners for their exceptional disaster recovery efforts. Guzman emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses and communities in times of crisis, expressing the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to their success.
Among this year's recipients is Jacqueline Bernetta Tate Smith, the owner of The Coffee Shoppe in Selma, Alabama. Smith's resilience and determination following destructive tornadoes earned her the Phoenix Award for Outstanding Small Business Disaster Recovery. She turned to the SBA for assistance in rebuilding her business after the natural disaster struck.
Councilman Dirk J. Guidry from Chauvin, Louisiana was recognized with the Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery by a Public Official. Guidry's unwavering support and collaboration with the SBA's recovery assistance programs were highlighted, showcasing his dedication to his community's recovery efforts post-Hurricane Ida.
Leanne Rogers Lovell, President of Wynne Relief and Recovery in Arkansas, received the Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery by a Volunteer. Lovell's leadership in organizing recovery efforts following a devastating tornado in Wynne demonstrated her commitment to serving her community in times of need.
According to Francisco Sánchez Jr., Associate Administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA, the agency remains dedicated to assisting small businesses and communities in their recovery efforts. Last year alone, the SBA provided nearly $1.8 billion in disaster assistance to aid in rebuilding and recovery.
The Phoenix Award winners exemplify the resilience and strength of individuals and communities in the face of adversity. Their stories serve as a reminder of the power of determination and adaptability in overcoming challenges brought on by natural disasters. The SBA continues to work towards building strong partnerships and innovative solutions to support the recovery and growth of small businesses across the nation.