Anchorage Print Shop Owners Named 2019 SBA Alaska Small Business Persons of the Year
Owners of PIP Printing also named finalists for 2019 SBA National Small Business Person of the Year
PIP Printing owners (from left to right) Jan Tatham, John Tatham, and Shelley Bramstedt.
SBA Alaska District
ANCHORAGE—The US Small Business Administration (SBA) 2019 Alaska Small Business Persons of the Year are Shelley Bramstedt, Jan Tatham, and John Tatham of Postal Instant Press of Alaska, Inc., dba PIP Printing of Alaska, Inc. in Anchorage, Alaska.
Founded in 1979, PIP opened their doors providing printing and copying services. After initial success, PIP used a $100,000 SBA guaranteed loan to purchase a business condo and has since expanded to more than 19,000 square feet of commercial space.
In an industry that saw enormous changes with the advent of digital technologies and advancing competition, the PIP owners adjusted, survived and thrived. PIP now offers printing, copying, signage, large-format vehicle and window wraps, mailing services, fulfillment, and creative services.
“PIP Printing competed with a very diverse and accomplished group of small businesses to become the 2019 Alaska Small Business of the Year,” SBA Alaska District Director Nancy Porzio said. “What really set them apart was their dedication to excellence in their hiring practices, the focus on giving back to the community, and their efforts to reach all corners of our state with a superior product and service. They epitomize the high standards that we seek in award winners and we are proud to name them the 2019 winner.”
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The SBA Small Business Person of the Year award – part of National Small Business Week May 5-11, 2019 – recognizes small business owners who demonstrate staying power and substantiated history as an established business with at least three years of business operation. Winners must also show growth in net worth and business expansion, increase in jobs and sales, innovativeness of products or services, response to adversity and contributions to community-oriented projects.
“We are proud to be a part of the Alaska business community and honored with this award,” Bramstedt said. “We are celebrating our 40th year of business and have seen many changes over the years. We are blessed to have a great staff and are thrilled to share this award with them. It is a true testimony to all of our team’s strong commitment to good business values and the kind of personal service that makes a true difference.”
In addition to providing more than 40 jobs in the Anchorage area, including some for Alaskans seeking a “second chance”, PIP is an integral part of the community. The blocks around their shop are those with the city’s highest homeless population, and challenges with vandalism, theft, and drug abuse have been problematic for local businesses and residents.
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Owner John Tatham stepped up and now leads a local group to find solutions to the neighborhood’s challenges. In addition, they’ve renovated a once vacant property and have built two additional large buildings in the neighborhood. It’s part of their commitment to revitalization and beautification of downtown Anchorage.
“National Small Business Week is a time to recognize the impact of small businesses, which make up 99 percent of all businesses in the Pacific Northwest and create two out of every three net new jobs,” SBA Regional Administrator Jeremy Field said. “Small business owners represent our country’s best. They are innovators, job creators and community leaders. Shining a spotlight on their inspirational stories and journeys is an honor.”
Small Business Person of the Year winners from 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam will converge in Washington, DC May 5-6 when one of them will be selected as the National Small Business Person of the Year.
A celebration honoring local SBA winners from Alaska will be May 10 at the Loussac Library. Other SBA local awards that will be recognized at the celebration include Woman-Owned, Veteran, Rural and Micro Businesses of the Year. Awards will also be given to Business Champions across the state.
Each year 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 the nation.
For more information about National Small Business Week, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw.
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