The contest seeks to honor the region's most innovative and growth-oriented companies. The top prize is $200,000.

The funding is part of the agency's Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program. The program is meant to create jobs and promote private investment in rural areas, according to the USDA.

The legislation, the Small Business Lending Enhancement Act, would raise the cap on credit union business lending from 12.25 percent of an institution's total assets to 25 percent. It would also increase the minimum loan amount subject to the cap from $50,000 to $250,000.

According to Inc., Dickerson created an ergonomic pillow that transforms a bed into a couch. Dickerson hopes to start selling the product, known as the Rylaxer, at colleges nationwide next year.

DeWITT — Collins White, president of Defenshield Inc., flew home to Syracuse in October 2001 noting the airports full of well-armed National Guard, state troopers, and local police — all wearing little body armor.

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"Accountability breeds response-ability."

- Stephen R. Covey

The importance of strategic planning is a frequent topic of this column because it's essential to business success. Especially in