Rama Krishna Sangem
The US India SME Council, an advocacy forum for small and medium enterprises of both America and India held its second edition of Incredible Inc 50 awards gala at a glittering function held in Washington DC on August 10, Thursday. The occasion also marked the 20th anniversary of US India SME Council that was formed at a time when both America and India were coming closer for a greater partnership on the global stage.
The Incredible Inc awards were given to 25 small and medium fast growing companies in US based on nominations received and scrutiny by a panel of eminent Judges. The event was well attended by over 300 participants including several successful entrepreneurs, businessmen, professionals , government officials , media etc. The event was hosted by Maureen Umeh, well known FOX news anchor & reporter in the US.
The dignitaries present in the event include US Senator Chris Van Hollen, Aruna Miller, Lt Governor, State of Maryland and Brooke E Liemann, Controller(Finance Minister), State of Maryland. Keeping with the tradition this years US-India SME Councils prestigious – Mahatma Gandhi International Peace award was presented to Chris Van Hollen, US Senator for his involvement to further build and promote US-India relationship.
Sudhakar Gande: “SMEs engines of our economies”
US India SME Council Chairman Sudhakar Gande, speaking on the occasion said: ” The small, medium enterprises especially those owned by minorities and women are our greatest strength and the engines that fuel our nation’s economy. We are grateful for your continued commitment and hard work and efforts to build the better, stronger future we all prefer”.
“SNEs represent over 90 per cent of the business population, 70 per cent of employment and 55 per cent of GDP in developed economies. These firms are a significant part of the engine that drives our nation’s economy. We are committed to promoting empowering to business opportunities and programs and resources. It is this segment of business that drive innovation and job growth,” said Sudhakar Gande.
Elisha Pulivarti: “Winners are inspiring”
US India SME Council CEO Elisha Pulivarti speaking on the occasion said that the winner of the Incredible Inc 50 awards are true symbols of American dream chasers and their stories are real and their contributions are inspiring. “To honour the memory of late Dr ME Cherian, we bestow the Dr ME Cherian Leadership Award to those have dedicated their lives to the advocacy and support of projects are initiatives for good cause,” said Elisha Pulivarti.
“Nominations for this awards were solicited through the many chambers of commerce, professional organisations, the business community and the public. Once application is completed, received, evaluation process took its time and a panel of judges has come up with final awardees of the Incredible Inc 50 of the fast growing companies, 25 of them are from the US,” explained Elisha about the awards process.
The second leg of this Incredible Inc 50 awards – presenting remaining 25 awardees to Indians will be held in India sometime soon. The event provided an opportunity to business entrepreneurs from both the US and India to mingle and share their experiences and paths to growth in their ventures. The US India SME Council has a membership of around 2,000 entrepreneurs.
Elisha, Sudhakar Gande with Aruna Miller
