ARLINGTON, Va. – Out of hundreds of small businesses from across the country, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce narrowed the field of potential candidates for the title “Small Business of the Year” down to 60; then seven.

Finally, at the ACCESS 2006: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Summit held in Washington D.C., Educational Options emerged as the first recipient of the prestigious national award.

President and CEO of Educational Options, Tom Sawner took to the stage at the conference and exuberantly thrust the award above his head after his company received the honor. He said his outstanding employees were the key to making Educational Options successful.

“Last year, we made a difference in the lives of 100,000-plus kids, and that’s a good thing,” Sawner said. “Next year: 200,000. We’re going to make a difference and we’re going to revolutionize.”

For more than ten years, Educational Options Inc. has helped students and educators across the nation and around the world by providing high quality, web-based products that promote student success. Educational Options partners with schools and districts to provide flexible, web-based solutions to help students to stay in school, recover credits, and graduate.

The Small Business of the Year Award was designed to honor businesses that demonstrate excellence in a variety of aspects including financial performance and business history, staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and business planning.The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce president, Thomas Donohue, said Educational Options epitomized the award’s criteria.

“Educational Options demonstrates a dedication to their employees, customers, and communities that exemplifies America’s spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship,” Donohue said. “This award is presented to highlight a business that conducts itself in a caring and innovative way every day.”

Educational Options, Inc. is an education technology company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. The company’s premier product, the Stars Suite, features more than 38 middle and high school courses, and solutions for state test preparation, high school preparation, and GED study. Educational Options is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, and is the parent company of Blue Ridge International Academy, an accredited online school able to grant course credits and full high school diplomas.

Find out about how Educational Options’ Stars Suite and Blue Ridge International Academy helps schools grow their students' success. Visit our products page or feel free to contact us.

View the Award Presentation