Executive Director and co-founder of the West Los Angeles-based New Directions, Inc., Toni Reinis has been named the Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year for 2005 by the Los Angeles area Small Business Association
The Award was presented to Reinis at the SBA’s 24th Annual Small Business Week Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, May 17, at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The luncheon was sponsored by the SBA and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
SBA Administrator Hector Barreto made the keynote address to the honorees and 800 supporters of small business.
Los Angeles SBA District Director Alberto G. Alvarado praised Toni Reinis, stating, “Toni epitomizes the values of a true Veteran advocate. Her inspirational leadership and hard work have led to the implementation of legislation granting veterans and veteran-owned small businesses preferences in the government procurement and employment sectors. New Directions has turned around the personal and business lives of many veteran.“As a result of her generous contributions a significant number of veterans have been given a new lease on life, and in specific instances even a new lease for the site of a new business. We are extremely proud of Toni Reinis’ accomplishments, which have made her a worthy Veteran Small Business Champion.”
