Canastota Hi-Way "Bowls" Its Way to Excellence Award

SYRACUSE –The U.S. Small Business Administration and the New York Business Development Corporation, along with participating lenders and economic developers, recently recognized Canastota Hi-Way Bowl of Canastota, NY with an Excellence Award at the 8th Annual Small Business Excellence Awards luncheon and ceremony at the Syracuse Wyndham.

From bakeries to manufacturers, restaurants to retailers, 26 successful small businesses representing a full range of products, services and innovations from Upstate New York received awards.

“These businesses may not be big in size, but their contributions to our economy are gigantic,” said Bernard J. Paprocki, Syracuse SBA district director. “You rely on them for the products you use and the services you need. Their names are on little league uniforms and their sponsor banners fly high over community events. The businesses we honor are part of the 25 million businesses across the nation that by their success contribute daily to our prosperity.”

Canastota Hi-Way Bowl, established in 2005, was nominated for the Excellence Award by the Women’s Business Center of New York State. Hi-Way Bowl, which is owned by Barbara Taylor and Penny Hastings, is a newly renovated, state-of-the-art bowling center. The center offers; open bowling, Rock-N-Bowl, party services, a fully stocked Pro Shop, and various types of leagues. Within the bowling center, there is a kitchen, dining room, and full-service bar open everyday. Hi-Way Bowl was started with assistance provided by The Women’s Business Center and Alliance Bank, not to mention many long nights of hard work by MS. Taylor and Ms. Hastings. Canastota Hi-Way Bowl also employs 5 local workers, who pride themselves on providing a safe and fun environment for people of all ages, a philosophy which has quickly propelled them to small business excellence.

The Small Business Excellence Awards ceremony is one of many events in local communities across the nation that celebrates National Small Business Week. Small businesses are the driving force behind America's tremendous growth and job creation. They employ 51 percent of the private-sector workforce – that’s 57 million Americans! They create two out of three new jobs and produce 51% of the private sector output.

“The entrepreneurial spirit of America is robust and strong, and small businesses are thriving throughout our great nation,” said President George W. Bush in his annual Small Business Week proclamation. “The opportunity to own a business is an important part of the American dream. We celebrate small business owners and employees who are willing to take risks and work hard in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families.
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For more information about all of the SBA’s programs for small businesses, visit the SBA’s extensive Web site at www.sba.gov.