March 21, 2016
Bridgeport, WV – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Allegheny Science & Technology (AST) CEO Arria Hines West Virginia’s 2016 Small Business Person of the Year! The selection criteria for the Small Business Person of the year includes company growth in expansion, number of employees, and net worth; innovation and response to adversity; and contributions to community service.
SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet said of the award: “These small business owners represent the best of the best and showcase daily their entrepreneurial spirit and what it takes to be successful in today’s evolving and competitive business environment.”
Hines was nominated for the award by Deana Dean, President of the i-79 Development Council, who considers AST a great example for other small businesses. Dean said, “One of the most exciting things my career enables me to do is be part of a networking and support community where a really brilliant start up can become a grown up success! Arria Hines and AST have moved brilliantly and ethically to overcome some of the growth challenges that have crippled others. She and her team are becoming the standard others strive to attain. They truly are winners and this achievement makes me very happy for them.”
Since co-founding AST in 2009, Arria Hines has shown excellent personal and professional leadership and business savvy. She has not only met the award criteria, but exceeded in establishing a successful small business. Hines said a supportive team is the key to her success: “I know it’s the Small Business Person of the Year, but it really should be the Small Business Award because it’s not just me. I have a wonderful team and I have a partner, Bob Wentz, his help is immense. A lot of key people, that’s what’s built the company.”
In the official announcement of the award, SBA District Director Karen Friel said, “I am extremely proud to highlight you as the best of the best among small business leaders. You exemplify hard work, leadership, and dedication, making you the ideal candidate for the award.”
Hines will be honored at the Small Business Week Award Celebration Wednesday, May 4th, 2016 at the Robert H. Mollohan research center in Fairmont. National Small Business Week is May 1-7th with national events including a ceremony in DC where winners of the state level Small Business Person of the Year will be given awards and there will be an announcement of the National Small Business Person of the Year.
About AST
Allegheny Science & Technology Corporation is one of America’s fastest-growing private, government services providers according to the Inc 500 and Washington Technology 2015 Fast 50; and an award winning, 8(a) SBA certified, small economically disadvantaged, women-owned management and technology solutions company offering a broad range of services to customers including systems engineering; portfolio and program management; applied science and technology; data analytics and engineering; and knowledge and performance management. AST has corporate operations in Tysons, VA and Bridgeport, WV; and offices in Washington, DC, Germantown, MD, Northern Virginia, Idaho Falls, ID, and Albuquerque, NM.
To learn more visit: www.alleghenyst.com or email: info@alleghenyst.com