76.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeBusinessSt. Croix businessPotter Addresses Graduates of Emerging Leaders Program

Potter Addresses Graduates of Emerging Leaders Program

Lt. Gov. Potter and graduates of the Emerging Leaders Program

Lt. Gov. Osbert E. Potter congratulated and gave the keynote address to the graduates of the U.S. Small Business Association’s Emerging Leaders program on St. Croix on Dec. 20.

Ten established small business owners on St. Croix and St. Thomas participated in the free, six-month program, which was the first class to be conducted in the Virgin Islands.

“I am happy to see what has taken place with this program, which is timely and will help teach our small business owners how to sustain their businesses. We were able to see how two hurricanes can easily dismantle small businesses. I encourage business owners to protect and insure their property and equipment, and to remain prepared for the eventuality of disasters.” said the lieutenant governor.

Lt. Gov. Potter and graduates of the Emerging Leaders Program

The graduates of this year’s program are:

Katherine Pugliese; Un Amore, St. Croix

Sana Smith; CHOP / Legacy Restaurants, St. Croix

Ana Foster; Netwave Unlimited Services, St. Croix

Sandra Gutierrez; Inter-Ocean Insurance Agency, St. Croix

Steve Kammerzelt; Southern Sea Inc., St. Croix

Luz Torres; Eddie’s Glass Services, St. Croix

Jennifer Jackson; Arawak Bay: The Inn at Salt River, St. Croix

Juliette Bynum; Select Temp Staffing, St. Croix

Leigh Fletcher; Ocean Systems Laboratory Inc., St. Croix/St. Thomas

Ethlyn Tuitt-Mills; Ethlyn Tuitt-Mills CPA PC, St. Thomas

“Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of 10 entrepreneurs who are committed to growing their businesses and to creating jobs, investing in the U.S. Virgin Islands’ economy,” said SBA District Director Yvette T. Collazo. “Our graduates have successfully concluded a seven-month period of entrepreneurial training, mentoring and teamwork, and [they] take with them a three-year strategic growth plan to help catapult their respective companies to the next level.”

The graduation reception was sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Banco Popular and the Small Business Development Center.

“Our Emerging Leaders graduates now have additional tools to take their businesses to the next level,” said Wayne Huddleston, SBA USVI senior area manager. “They are the epitome of creativity and determination. At SBA, we have been witness to that since launching the program, and the last few months have been no different.”

To learn more about the criteria and requirements to participate in the Emerging Leaders program or to apply for next year’s round, visit www.sba.gov/emergingleaders.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.