Kentucky Business Environmental Assistance Program named national program of the year

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 24, 2007) - The Kentucky Business Environmental Assistance Program (KBEAP), headquartered in the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) at the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics, has earned the top honor for Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBEAP) nationwide. The SBEAP National Steering Committee will present KBEAP with the 2007 Small Business Environmental Assistance Program Award in ceremonies next month.

“KBEAP is a tremendous resource for small businesses in Kentucky and key program representatives have served to advance and promote the Small Business Ombudsman and SBEAP programs for many years,” Chris Lynch, director of Pennsylvania’s Environmental Management Assistance Program, said in his nomination letter.

This award recognizes exemplary performance in developing program innovations in small business technical assistance.  KBEAP Director Gregory Copley will accept the award at the National SBEAP Conference in St Paul, Minn.

KBEAP received national attention in 2005 when environmental consultant Kenya Stump received the EPA Administrator’s Award for Outstanding State Performance Achievement.

“KBEAP is a national leader in implementing program measurement systems and developing new tools to assist small business with technical compliance," said Becky Naugle, KSBDC state director.  “I am extremely proud of my staff members for their dedication to small businesses and the environment.”

KBEAP provides compliance technical assistance to businesses with fewer than 100 employees by helping with permit preparation, emission calculations, record keeping and conducting on-site air quality audits and employee training. Internal research proves KBEAP services are saving small businesses time and money. KBEAP estimates its clients net $37,500 in benefits per assistance.  For more information contact KBEAP at (800) 562-2327.