OED 500 Small Business Award!

OED is pleased to announce that Steve Feld, owner of Fast Signs NE Mesa has been awarded OED's first OED 500 Award. The OED 500 was started as a way to recognize the flexibility, resourcefulness, and at times extreme measures displayed by American small businesses during our country's recession.

“Steve has displayed every one of the things that shows how entrepreneurs can consistently and effectively adapt to business conditions. They need to be nimble,” stated Brian Marshall, an OED Trustee. “Scott has researched overhead expense reduction and reduced his cost of goods sold to a level far below industry average. More importantly, he has taken time to work within his community. Supporting his local community has helped to demonstrate his integrity. This generous use of time has also raised the profile of his business. The expression ‘what goes around comes around’ can be seen. He was even awarded the 2010 Mesa Small Business Award for his efforts. He has created a true win-win. We applaud his efforts.”

Steve has been a Fast Signs location owner since 2007. He has made changes in cost structure, but has worked hard to get his store’s name in front of more people. “In the last 2 years I have done more community services by donating items, negotiating on being a sponsor at events that target my demographic using in-kind trade.  I adjusted my SEO, started a newsletter, FaceBook page, and active in social media. I’ve increased PR and had several items published now in local media.

They are the drivers of the United State’s economy. The entrepreneurial spirit is vital to our country’s history and to our economy. “Small businesses account for 80% of all jobs in the United States,” said Mr. Marshall. “It is widely regarded that this nation’s economy can not recover without small business recovery. We support the entrepreneurs who have struggled, who have struggled through credit crunches and down sales. They are working though and pushing through to survive, stabilize, and then thrive. In OED’s mind, that needs to be recognized. Business owners like Scott need to be recognized for the dedication needed to overcome these challenges.

The next OED 500 Award application is now up at: www/oedglobal.org/oed500