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The Tennessee Small Business Development Center recently recognized Polymer Components and its owner Ralph Brett with the Rising Star Award.

The Rising Star Award is presented to a small business that has shown early success and has made a positive economic impact in their community.

"I am proud to present this much deserved award to Ralph." said Dr. Greg Sedrick, state director of TSBDC. "Your hard work and dedication have paid off. We look forward to seeing your business continue to succeed well into the future."

Polymer Components is a small manufacturing firm in Cleveland that makes custom rubber, polyurethane and plastic molded products used by manufacturers as part replacements.

Started seven years ago, it has grown from five employees to 15 today and has customers throughout the United States.

Brett credits the company's success to being nimble. "What we're doing is solving a problem for our customers and getting it to them fast."

When the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber became aware of the need that Brett had to expand his business, they put him in touch with Dan Wallen, a counselor at the Cleveland State Small Business Development Center.

Together, Brett and Wallen developed plans to expand the business. Since then, Polymer Components has moved to a larger facility, and sales have grown by 40 percent.

"This is a perfect example of how a small business and the community can work together," said Wallen. "The Chamber helps create a business friendly environment. Local lenders support the needs of small business. And a community college provides technical education and business advice. It's a win-win combination of support and services."

AWARD WINNER -- On hand for the presentation of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center's Rising Star Award are, from left, Wayne Hall, AmSouth Bank; Dan Wallen, Cleveland State Small Business Center; Ralph Brett, winner; Carl Hite, president of Cleveland State Community College; Greg Sedrick, Tennessee Small Business Centers; Jerry Bohannon, Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce; and Rick Platz, Cleveland State Small Business Center.

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