Small Business of the Year

Have you ever had a surprisingly good thing happen to you? Well, we did and I can tell you, “It feels really good!”

This article is dedicated to all of you hard working small business owners. As a group we are a unique breed and rarely get outside recognition for our long hours, dedication and risks we take.

The State of California noticed how huge of an impact small businesses make to the financial solvency of California. In year 2000 they created a special day: California Small Business Day. So on that day every Senator and Assembly member gets to honor the small business within their district they have chosen as deserving to be awarded “Small Business of the Year”. These awardees gather together in the Sacramento Convention Center on California Small Business Day to be honored by their Assembly member or Senator.

The year 2007 Assembly member John Laird chose us to be the 2007 Small Business of the Year. Mr. Laird said, “Water Star Motors is leading the way on the Central Coast on green business practices. By enthusiastically maintaining certification as a green business, Water Star Motors is making a strong statement about the value of doing well as a business by doing good for the environment. I’m proud to name Water Star Motors as 2007 Small Business of the Year for the 27^th Assembly District.”

We were absolutely blown away when Mr. Laird’s office called to give us the news. It literally brought tears to my eyes. Our whole staff feels enormously honored to represent Santa Cruz in this way. (Bookshop Santa Cruz was also chosen – by Senator Joe Simitian.)

The California Small Business Day event was really spectacular. From 8:30 to 2:30 all the honorees were given enthusiastic, genuine and supportive attention.

After checking in at the VIP booth we got a chance to talk with the various exhibitors who sincerely wished to help with any small business concerns. For example: folks from the State Board of Equalization and EDD.

The morning session had several representatives from Capitol Hill presenting their pro small business viewpoints. Last year we hired 80% of all the new-hires and contributed 48% California’s income. Our favorite speaker during the morning was Steve Poizner, Insurance Commissioner. He is chiefly fighting all insurance fraud - especially in Workman’s Comp and Vehicle Accident Insurance. The end result will be lower premiums.

Then we were ushered upstairs to a fabulous luncheon. Each of the 70 honorees got to sit with their Assembly member or Senator who had 2-3 minutes each to honor their candidate. Of these, there were only five businesses who were recognized for being green. (in 2007)

The formal Keynote address was given by the honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He passionately spoke non-stop, without cue cards, for 30 minutes. He is doing everything he can to keep CA the 6^th in the world economically and ahead of the pack when it comes to supporting our environment. His favorite project concerns instituting Universal Health insurance for CA. If successful, the rest of the country will follow suit. Yes, he still works out and he ended with, “I’ll be back.”

We had the bonus pleasure of seeing Mr. Laird’s office in Capitol Hill. And he gave us a personal tour of the Assembly floor. Assembly member Laird is a stellar example of a good politician. Thank you!