Shaw Air Force Base civilian receives Gold Star award

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WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  A Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., civilian was honored at the 2010 Small Business Association National Small Business Week event here May 25. 

Judith P. Croxton, the director of business operations, received the SBA Gold Star award on behalf of the 20th Contracting Squadron at Shaw AFB, which was recognized for numerous achievements, including awarding 96 percent of available dollars to small businesses.

The Gold Star award recognizes federal agencies with exemplary performance in pursuit of aggressive goals and strategic initiatives that help ensure increased small business participation in the federal marketplace.

In keeping with the "beyond goals" strategy of the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs, the 20th CONS achieved its results and surpassed statistical goals by aligning small business capabilities with customer requirements and mission success.

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of the U.S. Ms. Croxton and other award winners were honored with a visit to the White House May 25, where they met with President Barack Obama.

"A healthy small business sector will give us vibrant communities, cutting edge technology, and an American economy that can compete and win in the 21st century," President Obama said in a presidential proclamation.

20th CONS initiatives, events and acquisitions include awarding $169 million to small businesses and leading the Air Combat Command in goal achievement by achieving a service-disabled veteran-owned business goal of 17.2 percent and producing critical quality-of-life projects for Shaw AFB Airmen.

The 20th CONS also coordinated with firms to execute 285 construction projects valued at $29 million, and received national recognition as a "champion" in the AbilityOne program that provides employment opportunities for people who are blind or severely disabled.