Fresno - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Fresno District Office announced today that Lawrence Garcia owner of AmeriGuard Security Services, Inc. has been selected as the 2007 Central California Small Business Person of the Year.

Awarded annually, the designation recognizes a business owner who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and honors his or her individual contributions to the community. AmeriGuard Security Services was selected after a competition held amongst businesses located within the 15 Central California counties.

"It’s an honor to receive this award on behalf of all the small businesses in Fresno and the Central Valley. Thanks to organizations such as SBA, SBDC, the Fresno and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I have been able to use the many resources made available to me to help grow my business and live out my dreams," said Garcia when he learned of the prestigious award.

"The Small Business Administration is very proud of the tremendous growth and success that AmeriGuard has achieved. This company serves as a role model for other small business entrepreneurs,” said Carlos G. Mendoza, District Director for the Fresno SBA Office.

Small Business Person of the Year nominations are judged on seven basic criteria: staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales and/or unit volume, current and past financial reports, innovativeness of product or service, response to adversity and evidence of contributions to community-oriented projects.

Garcia, a Gulf War Veteran, founded the company in 2002 with only 15 employees and today employs 150 personnel. The firm provides armed and unarmed security guard services throughout the entire State and has been very successful in bidding on contracts with agencies such as the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, U. S General Services Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Being an innovate business entrepreneur, Lawrence in 2003 made a large investment by purchasing a "LiveScan" license which has allowed him to perform "LiveScan" fingerprinting services within the County of Fresno. This created a new branch of AmeriGuard and a whole "new market" to capture. Again, in 2005 the company stepped out and started offering pre-employment background check services for customers. These services include criminal history background, DMV, financial background and employment verification checks.

Each year since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of Small Business Week. National Small Business Week recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal achievements and contributions to the nation’s economy. This year, the celebration will honor an estimated 25 million small business owners in America.

Lawrence Garcia will be honored as the 2007 Central California Small Business Person of the Year during the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Amigo Luncheon on April 18th at Plaza Ventana in Fresno.