LOCAL BUSINESSMAN TIM FARMER NAMED NEW HAMPSHIRE SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

CONCORD, NH: Tim Farmer, Owner/Operator of S&W Sports in Concord, New Hampshire, has been named the state's small business person of the year by the Small Business Association of New Hampshire.

Mr. Farmer travelled to Washington, D.C. and was honored, along with over 50 of the nation's top entrepreneurs during the US. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week events. This year's theme, "Empowering Entrepreneurs" helps mark the 58th anniversary of the agency and 48th annual event.

Mr. Farmer began his career with S&W Sports at the age of 13. His passion for the business and his community allowed him to purchase S&W Sports in 1998. Prior to becoming an owner, Mr. Farmer spent many years alongside the previous owner, learning and understanding the retail and merchandising industry, as well as using keen instincts to create new opportunities for the store. In 2007, Mr. Farmer received a Small Business Association (SBA) loan from KeyBank after providing their SBA Specialist, Dave Kraft, with an efficient plan to move his business to the present-day location on South Main Street in Concord.

Key elements of receiving this award were Mr. Farmer's ability to expand his business financially while donating his time to the Concord/Central New Hampshire Community. With the SBA loan, Mr. Farmer was able to: Increase the number of employees working in the store, both full and part-time; Increase gross sales and net profits in each to the last three years; Successfully offer the diversity of products to clients who either enjoy both or one season for outdoor activities; Solve business issues of multiple locations to one, therefore cutting expenses and continuing to grow; Donate product and staff time to local community events and projects; Donate product to the underserved population in the greater Concord/Central NH region. Mr. Farmer is involved with state and local municipalities to make New Hampshire a safe place in which to live and ride bicycles. He serves on various boards and non-profit committees and is a well-respected community leader.

Recipients of this award gathered at DC's Mandarin Oriental Hotel where they met with top administration officials, congressional representative and national business leaders.

S&W Sports is a full-service bike, ski and board shop located at 296 South Main Street, Concord, NH. They carry a wide range of products from a child's first bicycle to a high end racing rig. In winter, they serve as one of Central New Hampshire's only full-service ski shops. S&W Sports utilizes the best in Wintersteiger technology to ensure a perfect tune every time.

Mr. Farmer resides in Weare, NH, with his wife and child, and particularly enjoys spending time with his two Bull dogs.