SBA Administrator Announces National Small Business Week Awardees, NY-Based Majestic Vending And Services Takes Home Award

Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced the 2016 National Small Business Week awardees for 17 different categories ranging from exporting, outreach, contracting, lending, disaster recovery to manufacturing and research and development. Staten Island, NY-based Majestic Vending and Services, Inc.  was awarded the Phoenix Awards: Outstanding Small Business Disaster Recovery.

“We are very humbled by the whole experience and are excited to attend the ceremony in Washington, D.C.,” said Maryann Piazza, CEO.

The following comes from a letter sent on Majestic’s behalf through the nominating process:

In October of 2012 Super Storm Hurricane Sandy impacted the New York City coast with devastating results leaving much horrific aftermath for Majestic. Although they did not suffer flooding, a tree crashed and fell into their chimney of the warehouse, which was attached to the parapet walls of the entire roofline perimeter. As a result, the dislodging of the chimney and broken walls caused the internal ceiling in the 1,700 sq. ft. building to collapse in various areas covering the office, bathroom and general warehouse area.  It destroyed everything it fell on… equipment, inventory, machinery, office supplies and furniture, etc.  Several roof beams fell and rested on a 10ft suspended gas line that lead to the heating system and hot water plumbing supply. Needless to say to replace or repair the chimney, roof, beams, roof drain system, sheetrock, electrical, heating, flooring, masonry, inventory, supplies and equipment losses surpassed so much in damages.  Majestic was left with no alternative but to engage in Mediation practice through New York State and finally after two long years started to receive some funding.  Seeing that the work regardless had to get done Majestic looked to the SBA to see if they qualified and they were able to secure a SBA loan to move forward with the repairs, debris removal, inventory and machine replacement.  Although they are still in need of donations, those that know about their situation contact them to see what they can do for them and continue to supply and support them. The bulk of the current monies already spent went into replacing the 1500 sq. ft. roof, the five roof beams, the roof drainage system, replacing 31 plywood decking boards, piping and repair, replacing the electrical circuits, 18 pieces of sheetrock ceiling, taping, spackling, priming, painting, replacing a smashed window that the tree fell through, two office doors and masonry repair work.  They are currently proceeding on to the bathroom and the heating system.  They are almost to completion. We have done all this to stay in business and continue their work in the community.  We are excited for the prospect to finish as soon as possible. As needed they currently are using electric heaters, which are counterproductive to our spending but needed so the plumbing pipes do not freeze.

Despite all of the hardships experienced by Majestic, the Piazza’s has not only been able to continue their business, but also have been able to expand and diversify. It was during this aftermath time where the recent highlight of being the only Staten Island Based business to be chosen by the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee Business Connect as an Official Participant to prepare and distribute several products and services the actual day of the first ever two state (NY-NJ) hosting the Super Bowl.

Majestic Vending together with their owner Maryann and Stephen Piazza certainly exemplify the resilience and courage that the Phoenix Award represents in that they not only have risen up from the ashes of Super Storm Sandy but also are major contributors in their unselfish efforts to the community at large.  For these reasons we are proud to recommend Majestic Vending and Services, Inc. and the Piazzas for the prestigious Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery.

"National Small Business Week is an important moment when we honor our nation's 28 million small businesses and renew our commitment to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit that is central to small business success. This year's recipients are educators and dynamic leaders in their respective small business fields. It is an honor to celebrate their hard work and success," said Contreras-Sweet.

Last week Contreras-Sweet announced the 54 Small Business Person of the Year state and territorial winners. These recipients are now competing for the 2016 National Small Business Person of the Year. All awardees have been invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in events and ceremonies on May 1-2.