East Central Iowa SCORE chapter recognizes entrepreneurs

Juli Hardin was glad she took the advice of Jack Haney, her SCORE mentor, when she was preparing to open Jules Bakery in December 2001.

"Jack looked at my business plan and told me I was being way too aggressive with my cash flow projections," Hardin recalled Wednesday. "I'm glad I took his advice and revised those projections because it really helped me get through the tough times the first couple of years."

Hardin and her bakery at 3201 Armar Dr. in Marion were recognized as 2011 Small Business of the Year by SCORE East Central Iowa at the organization's annual luncheon Wednesday at the Cedar Rapids Country Club.

Three other entrepreneurs were recognized at the event and the SCORE chapter also awarded its first grant to a new business venture.

Mark and Shannon Debner, president and vice president of DPI – Quality Custom Finishes of Cedar Rapids, 1402 18th St. NW, were the recipients of the "Most Spirited Flood Recovery" award. The Debners had expanded their business in January 2008, only to have it wiped out by the June 2008 flood.

The Debners moved their business three times between June 2008 and January 2009. Despite their hardships, the couple continued to manage 20 employees and improve the technology in their office and shop.

Mario Ruiz, the owner of CReations in Lindale Mall, was recognized as the "Most Promising New Entrepreneur." Greg Tomsic, chairman of East Central Iowa SCORE, said when Ruiz was asked to develop a business plan, the result "knocked our socks off."

"You only see a business plan this good in one in a thousand," Tomsic said. "Mario, who was 19 when he approached SCORE, performed all the tasks associated with starting a new business in two and a half months. He opened a kiosk in Lindale Mall in March and has already hired two people.

"Mario is a gifted artist who is extremely quick with software programs and very creative in overcoming business obstacles."

SCORE East Central Iowa awarded its first "Emerging Business Grant" of $7,200 to Amy Grotewold, owner of Black Bull LLC and the home of Toro Negro Cafe coffee. Tomsic said Grotewold was selected by a panel of the chapter's most experienced mentors and instructors after she assembled an impressive business plan.

SCORE East Central Iowa also recognized The Gazette and SourceMedia Group as "2011 Media Champion" for coverage of small business.