WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today recognized Cuisine Unlimited Catering & Special Events of Salt Lake City as one of seven regional finalists for the 2014 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club®. As the Western regional finalist, Cuisine Unlimited stood out among companies from Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah for its exceptional business practices and community involvement.
“Cuisine Unlimited is an example of the powerful contributions small businesses can make not only in their communities and their states, but also more broadly to the country’s economic recovery,” U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue said. “The Chamber is happy to honor Cuisine Unlimited for the policies and achievements that have made it a leader among small businesses and a driver of job creation, economic growth, and opportunity.”
In 1990, Maxine Turner opened Cuisine Unlimited Catering & Special Events, a corporate and social catering operation and small international deli. Since founding the company, Turner has expanded into a 20,000-square-foot facility and now employs more than 140 full- and part-time staff with sales in excess of $4 million. Turner, working with corporate sponsors, will expand her business into the international sporting events market when she debuts a U.S. Welcome Pavilion at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“Small business success is an indelible sign of strength and growth in local communities,” said Seong Ohm, Sam’s Club senior vice president of member services. “As a 30-year champion for small business prosperity, Sam’s Club is inspired by Cuisine Unlimited’s commitment to growth, creativity, and resourcefulness. We proudly honor their leadership and fortitude.”
The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award honors businesses that excel in areas including strategic planning, employee development, community involvement, and customer service. The Chamber will recognize Cuisine Unlimited, the six other regional finalists, and 100 Blue Ribbon Award winners at the 10th annual America’s Small Business Summit, taking place June 11 – 13 in Washington, D.C. During the summit, one regional finalist will be named the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year and receive a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.
Sam’s Club, the nation’s eighth largest retailer and leading U.S. membership club, offers savings and surprises to millions of members in 634 U.S. club locations and at SamsClub.com. The Sam’s Club Giving Program, established by The Walmart Foundation in 2008, is dedicated to micro- and small business prosperity, investing more than $18 million in national and local programs dedicated to improved training, education, and increased access to capital for small business owners. For more information on national or local giving, visit SamsClub.com/giving.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
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