Minimizer Named Blue Ribbon Small Business Award Winner

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce named a commercial truck parts manufacturer as a winner in its annual Blue Ribbon Small Business Awards, a program that recognizes companies for their success and innovation and for their contributions to economic growth and free enterprise.

Minimizer was selected for demonstrating exceptional business practices in areas including strategic planning, employee development, community involvement and customer service, according to the company.

“It’s an honor to be named a Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winner,” said Craig Kruckeberg, Minimizer CEO and chief visionary. “My father, Dick Kruckeberg, founded the company in 1984 when he manufactured the first composite truck fender. More than 30 years later his idea and Minimizer’s strategic pursuit for growth and innovation has positioned us as a market leader in the heavy-duty aftermarket truck and trailer parts and accessories industry. We appreciate the honor and will stay committed to serving our industry and the community.”

The chamber will announce seven regional finalists from among this year’s Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners on March 18. This year’s winners will be honored at the 11th annual America’s Small Business Summit taking place June 8 to 10 in Washington, D.C. During the summit, one regional finalist will receive the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club, and a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.

“While our economy still struggles to reach its full potential, small businesses like our Blue Ribbon Award winners have continued to act as examples of the resilience, ingenuity and opportunity at work in the free enterprise system,” said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. “Times can be tough, but these businesses have proven that they can be too. By taking risks, watching out for their employees, and giving back to their communities, they’ve shown that success is achievable.”

All Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners are also eligible for the Community Excellence Award, which recognizes one business that has found notable success in the eyes of its community. The winner will be decided through online public voting between February 19 and March 4.

A complete list of this year’s Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners is available at uschamber.com/2015-blue-ribbon-award-winners.

Ascot Supply Corporation, based in Newnan, Georgia, has selected Mark Paquette for the newly created position of vice president. In this position, Ascot Supply said Paquette will oversee the growth of the company's products, corporate profitability, manage marketing and advertising and assume many other responsibilities.

He will work under the direction of current President David Kessler and officially begin his new role on June 3. Paquette joined the tire and automotive industry in the early 1980s at his father's tire shop, and his contributions to Mohawk Rubber Sales were instrumental in the company's growth and eventual sale to Myers Tire Supply in 2021, according to Ascot Supply. Paquette eventually was given a promotion to the role of director of operations at Myers Tire Supply.