News Release from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Lakeland Feed Supply

U.S. Chamber Names Lakeland Feed Supply of Hamilton, MT Finalist for 2012 Small Business of the Year Award

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today named Lakeland Feed Supply, of Hamilton, MT, one of seven finalists for the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club®. Lakeland Feed Supply will be honored during America’s Small Business Summit, May 21–23, in Washington, D.C., where a national winner will be announced and will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.

“Lakeland Feed Supply is a shining example of the power of free enterprise and the opportunities it can create for America’s doers and dreamers,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “Lakeland Feed Supply is driving growth and creating jobs in the Hamilton community and contributing to the strength of America’s economy. Our economic recovery will be fueled by small businesses like Lakeland Feed Supply and their dedicated workers. Today we congratulate them on this achievement and encourage them to continue pursuing the American Dream.”

Lakeland Feed and Supply is a full-line feed manufacturer, fertilizer blender, and supplier of agriculture goods and services. Lakeland’s owner, Mike Pflieger bought the company based in Hamilton, MT, in 2000. Since then, Lakelands profits increased by 1,200% and grew from 10 into 40 full-time employees with benefits and profit sharing. Lakeland’s inventive marketing strategies have employees distributing products throughout the area on horse and buggy and running petting zoos at the company’s annual Customer Appreciation Day.

The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and strategy.  One finalist from each of seven regions was selected out of the 75 Blue Ribbon Award winners.  The winner will be announced at an awards luncheon on May 22.

“Small businesses are often described as the pulse or backbone of our country, and we admire the drive and initiative that it takes for their owners to be successful,” said Rosalind Brewer, president and CEO of Sam's Club. “Fifty years ago, Walmart Stores, Inc. was founded as a small business, facing many of the same challenges and opportunities then that these businesses face today. We join them in celebrating this honor and the spirit of entrepreneurship that makes these businesses successful.”

To learn more about the summit, visit www.uschambersummit.com.

Sam’s Club®, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation’s eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 30 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple®, visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam’s Club on Twitter and Facebook.

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.