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U.S. Chamber Recognizes 6 Small Businesses in MN

Affordable Buttons, Custom Alarm, CWS, Mindsharp, Stanley Jones & Associates, and Ultimate Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning were commended for their contributions to free enterprise and the economy.
March 23, 2012

Six Minnesota companies have been recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Affordable Buttons, Custom Alarm, and CWS, Inc.-all based in Rochester-and Maple Grove-based Mindsharp are among 75 companies nationwide that were named 2012 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners.

The award recognizes small businesses that “have contributed to the vibrancy of American free enterprise and have been leaders in job creation and economic growth.” All Blue Ribbon recipients will be recognized at America's Small Business Summit in May, and one overall winner will be announced at that time.

Additionally, the U.S. Chamber recognized 25 “Free Enterprise Honorees,” including two in Minnesota. Rochester-based Stanley Jones & Associates, Inc., and St. Paul-based Ultimate Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning were both commended for their strong business practices and contributions to the economy.

Here's a brief description of each of the Blue Ribbon companies from Minnesota:

  • Affordable Buttons: Offers custom, promotional, pin-back and bulk buttons.
  • Custom Alarm: Provides security solutions to protect businesses and homes-and offers sound and media solutions that aim to help companies brand their business and more effectively communicate with their audience.
  • CWS, Inc.: A full-service, Web development, marketing, and social media firm; clients include the City of Rochester, the Mayo Clinic, Hardcore Computer, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Mindsharp: Global education company that provides solutions using Microsoft enterprise products through its OnPath for SharePoint educational process and consulting services; it aims to help students and clients increase productivity with secure, scalable collaboration, communication, and messaging solutions.

Here's a brief description of each of the Free Enterprise Honorees from Minnesota:

  • Ultimate Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning: A family-owned business that provides both residential and commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning; it uses only safe, non-toxic carpet cleaning solutions.
  • Stanley Jones & Associates, Inc.: A home care and rehabilitation outpatient provider that specializes in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services.