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Release Date: February 14, 2019 Contact: [email protected] Release Number: 19-7 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs & Instagram

SBA Regional Administrator Ashley D. Bell Honored with Historic Drum Major for Justice Award in Marion, AL RA Bell recognized for his contribution & activism in promoting economic development within the African American small business communities across the Southeast

ATLANTA, GA- – On Sunday, February 17th, Ashley D. Bell, regional administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration and advocate for the Southeast Region’s nearly 7 million small businesses, will receive a most prestigious award by the Perry County Civic League. Bell will be honored with the Drum Major for Justice Award by Albert Turner, President of the Perry County Civic League. The award recognizes Regional Administrator Bell’s dedication to serving in his capacity to help strengthen the economies amongst our nation’s African American-owned small businesses. He has been successful with delivering SBA products and services to untapped areas through his Rural Strong Initiative, which has allowed the SBA to reach rural, often low income areas across the Southeast that often include many minority-owned small businesses. The Drum Major for Justice Award is an incredible honor that has been shared amongst many leaders that have helped to shape history. The award has been presented to Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. (1966), Governor Don Siegelman (1999), Rev. (1988), Senator Bobby Singleton (2010), Mr. Luther Winn (2013), Mrs. (2000), and Mr. (2011) to name a few over 53 years of making this award. Regional Administrator Bell could not be more honored to also be a recipient of this historic award. SBA Regional Administrator Ashley D. Bell Ashley is a graduate of Valdosta State University and he obtained his law degree from Louisiana State University. He resides in Gainesville, Georgia.

WHAT: Regional Administrator Ashley D. Bell Keynote & Award Ceremony Open Press

WHEN: Sunday, February 17 CST 2:00 pm

WHERE: Marion Baptist Academy 315 Centreville St.| Marion, | 36756

WHO: SBA Regional Administrator Ashley D. Bell Albert Turner, Jr., President, Perry County Civic League Please coordinate your coverage with Lola Kress, Regional Communications Director, at

404-331-2798 or [email protected]. All press must RSVP in order to attend. ###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.