DATE: April 4, 2008
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
CONTACT: Chris Smith
(410) 876-9610
(301) 370-0666 (cell)
crsmith@thebarbourgroup.com

WESTMINSTER, MD — Karen Barbour, president, The Barbour Group, LLC, was honored as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2008 Maryland Small Business Person of the Year.

Barbour, whose firm provides surety bonds, business insurance and risk analysis for commercial enterprises, is the first surety professional to win the SBA award in Maryland.

A key factor contributing to Barbour’s success is her ability to draw on her experience as a surety underwriter and a construction company owner to find new ways to meet the surety bonding needs of small and medium sized businesses across the region.

“Maryland’s small business community is fortunate to benefit from [Karen’s] entrepreneurial leadership and tireless advocacy efforts,” says Stephen Umberger, SBA District Director, Baltimore District Office.

The SBA's Maryland chapter gives the awards each year to recognize outstanding small business owners.

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Previous TBG News Releases

Maryland's Hispanic Businesses Honor Barbour [3.3.08]

Barbour Picked by Leadership Maryland for 2008 Class [2.11.08]

TBG Hires Well Known Lobbyist [1.31.08]

Barbour Named Top Fundraiser by Muscular Dystrophy Association [1.3.08]

Army Sets Aside Millions in BRAC Small Business Contracts [7.18.07]

Congressman Cummings Declares Bonding Key Resource [6.7.07]

TBG Obtains New Contract Vehicle [5.17.07]

Governor's Office and TBG Conduct Bonding Seminar [5.10.07]

Karen Barbour Appointed Board Member at MBIA [1.29.07]

Greater Baltimore Committee Announces Finalists for Awards [12.1.06]

Karen Barbour Voted MBIA's Person of Year [11.21.06]

TBG Recognized as One of Maryland's Top 100 Minority Businesses [10.2.06]

The Barbour Group Plays Instrumental Role in Surety Legislation [5.3.06]