SBL Architecture, VetStarts and The Stoglin Group to be Honored by the Chamber
ARLINGTON, TX – October 7, 2020 – The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of the 2020 Small Business of the Year Awards. Recipients will be honored in a hybrid ceremony on Friday, October 30 at Noon.
“It has been stated that there are three core values for success in small business – passion, empathy and innovation,” stated Michael Jacobson, President & CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. “Our small business award recipients this year exemplify those values to the fullest extent, and we are proud of their positive impacts on our economy and community.”
FOR-PROFIT RECIPIENT: SBL Architecture
SBL Architecture, Inc. is a group of architects, designers, and planners located in Arlington, Texas. Founded in 1994 by James S. Little, Jr., AIA, LEED AP, NCARB and Michael K. Barnett, AIA, NCARB, the firm is committed to providing high-quality client-focused services to a diverse range of healthcare clients. Despite a foundation in healthcare, clients have facilitated SBL growth into hospitality, sports and entertainment, and institutional design projects.
Throughout their 26 years in business, SBL has been involved in many Arlington area projects – Arlington Alliance for Children, Arlington Family Practice, Delaware North, Medical City Arlington, Texas Health Resources, Texas Rangers, USMD Hospital at Arlington, just to name a few. SBL was also involved in the field conversion of Globe Life Park to accommodate the Dallas renegades & Arlington ISD. Outside the office, SBL is actively engaged with 10+ Arlington and surrounding area charities. SBL staffers personally dedicate time in more than seven area groups and organizations.
NONPROFIT RECIPIENT: VetStarts
VetStarts is a nonprofit based in Arlington, Texas. VetStarts creates development programs for post-military veterans, first responders and their families. VetStarts provides career transition classes, marriage workshops, mission trips and entrepreneurship programs at no charge to their clients. VetStarts helps connect, train, coach and help vets, first responders, and families prepare for and launch a life of continued significance. Established in 2014 by Vince Leone, a decorated combat veteran, VetStarts delivers life-changing, life-saving services to clients experiencing PTSD trauma, unemployment, homelessness, depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, and those considering suicide.
VetStarts has had remarkable growth now having reached more than 4,180 veterans, while directly serving 463 in our community. The organization currently has three offices across the country and is working to be included in the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program for transforming military service members worldwide. VetStarts works in partnership with the Gateway Church Network, the REBOOT Combat Recovery Program, and a variety of Arlington Chamber of Commerce member organizations
VETERAN-OWNED RECIPIENT: The Stoglin Group
The Stoglin Group was formed in 2017 by Chaplain Rich Stoglin, a retired commander of the U.S. Naval Sea Services, of which 23 years were in the U.S. Marine Corps. The Stoglin Group consults in the areas of mediation, family mediation, public policy, leadership development, as well as PTSD and Law Enforcement and Critical Need for Wellness. One major project of the Group was assisting in the Texas Veterans Land Board to acquire land for the construction of a $35 million Veterans State Home.
Chaplain Rich Stoglin is a decorated veteran who holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from the United Theological Seminary in Ohio. While in the military he served in many campaigns wherever conflicts existed. Just prior to his retirement he was the Command Chaplain of 39 nations during his tour in Afghanistan. As a volunteer from our community, the Chaplain has served on numerous local, state and national boards. He also holds numerous meritorious awards from his distinguished military service.
CRITERIA
The Chamber’s criteria for selection as a Small Businesses of the Year include growth, relevant innovation and contributions to furthering the Chamber’s Mission “Together, We Champion Economic and Community Prosperity.” A group of distinguished business leaders in the greater Arlington area examined all completed applications to determine the winners this year.
AWARDS CEREMONY
In conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the North Texas Small Business Development Center, the Greater Arlington Chamber will host the Spirit of America: Salute to Small Business Awards on Friday, October 30 at Noon presented by NTAGGL, the North Texas Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders. The hybrid event will recognize the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year recipients as well as the SBA’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Exporter of the Year, Women in Business Champion of the Year, Minority Small Business of the Year and others. The SBA winners are from Dallas, Denton, Gainesville, Temple and other communities. To watch the event, tune into the Chamber’s Facebook page at facebook.com/greaterarlingtontx/live.