Prineville man named Oregon ‘Small Biz Owner of Year’

In recognition of the small business community’s contribution to the American economy, the President of the United States designates one week each year as National Small Business Week.

Small Business Week is a special opportunity to celebrate local small business owners and entrepreneurs and recognize the outstanding community members and champions that promote, assist, and aid small business es in Oregon.

This year, Robert Powell of Fab-Tech Manufacturing, Inc. from Prineville. is the recipient of the SBA’s 2015 Oregon Small Business Owner of the Year Award.

Powell started his business in April of 1999 and participated in the Small Business Management program offered through Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center in 2008 and 2009. He has continued to grow and improve his company since then.

Powell commented on the program, “I learned that the Small Business Management program is very committed to small business es and business growth in Central Oregon.

“I was skeptical that the program would have the experienced business staff to help in real-life business situations, but it didn’t take me long to find out that this is very serious program, with an experienced advisor/instructor. They are fully committed to small business es.”

Fab-Tech is a full-service structural steel fabrication company based in Prineville. Since beginning in April of 1999, they have become an ever-expanding fabrication, structural steel and powder coating company.

In addition, they also provide project management, detailing and a miscellaneous metals fabrication facility that enables them to be a full-service provider. Fab-Tech prides itself on product quality, strict deadlines and ensuring the highest level of customer service and satisfaction.

The Central Oregon Community College SBDC helps local business owners build a business that works for them. They work one-on-one with entrepreneurs to start, build and expand their business es. Experienced advisors provide knowledge, support and educational workshops.

Business es gain access to practical resources for business planning, financing, and market research. The goal of the SBDC is to have a positive impact on the growth and sustainability of Central Oregon business es.