Mary Jennifer Russell named one of nation’s top Small Business Persons of 2017

New Albany’s Mary Jennifer Russell, President and Founder of Sugaree’s Bakery, has been named one of the nation’s Small Business Persons of the Year.

On March 16th, Linda McMahon, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced this year’s Small Business Person of the Year winners from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. All of the winners have been invited to attend ceremonies in Washington, D.C on April 30 – May 1 where they will be honored with their individual award along with recognition of the three runners-up and the naming of the 2017 National Small Business Person of the Year. Events are planned in Washington, D.C., New York City, Indianapolis, Dallas and Fresno, California.

“It is my honor and distinct pleasure to announce the 54 winners from across the U.S. and its territories,” McMahon said. “These small business owners define entrepreneurial spirit and best represent the 28 million small businesses that are the backbone and economic engine for today’s economy. I look forward to welcoming the winners to Washington next month when they are officially honored for their achievements.”

This year’s winner for the state of Mississippi is Mary Jennifer Russel, of New Albany. Her business, Sugaree’s Bakery began when Russell started baking cakes and selling them in 1997. Sugaree’s has now grown into a small batch bakery that sells cakes nationwide and employs 25 people. One of the goals for Sugaree’s is the “preservation of our culinary heritage in the Deep South.” Another goal of its founder is to help improve and sustain the quality of life of her community.

In addition to the operation of Sugaree’s Bakery, Mary Jennifer Russell has become one of New Albany’s most active boosters. She has taken the lead in recent years on several undertakings that have benefited the community. Her efforts typically revolve around “quality of life” and “sustainability.”  Russell spearheaded the Biscuits and Jam Farmers’ Market, which had its first season in 2012 and rapidly became one of the state’s most popular events. In cooperation with New Albany officials, other business owners and volunteers etc., she has been a leader in obtaining grants and donations that have connected the Tallahatchie Trail and  farmers’ market area to the Tanglefoot Trail, bringing it nearer the goal of becoming a “Century Ride (100 mile route)” much desired by biking enthusiasts.

We congratulate Mary Jennifer Russell on being honored by the Small Business Association.

More about Mary Jennifer Russell: http://nanewsweb.com/century-ride-coming-closer-as-grant-awarded-to-extend-trail/   and
http://nanewsweb.com/mary-jennifer-russell-joins-ranks-of-effective-local-volunteers/