Fort Worth, tx – Keith Tillage, co-owner of Tillage Construction LLC in Baton Rouge, La. has been named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2012 Region VI Minority Small Business Person of the Year. Tillage, along with other winners from 10 SBA Regional offices were honored during ceremonies at the National 8(a) Training, Business Matchmaking and Awards event at the Carnegie Library in Washington, D.C. Oct. 10, 2012. SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns and Associate Administrator John Shoraka who oversees the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development, commemorated the award winners for their achievement.
Region VI serves Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Tillage was distinguished for this honor based on the company’s growth, response to adversities and obstacles, use of minority suppliers and participation in community projects.
“It is an honor to recognize Mr. Tillage with this prominent Regional honor,” said SBA Regional Administrator Yolanda Garcia Olivarez. “He demonstrates the spirit of innovation and perseverance characteristic of prosperous entrepreneurs who see the importance of building successful businesses and boosting the economy of their community and the nation.”
Since its inception in 2000, Tillage Construction LLC has experienced steady growth becoming one of south Louisiana’s leading minority full-service commercial construction companies with 26 full-time employees. The company has received several 8(a) contracts including a multi-year Job Order award worth $12 million at the Fort Polk Army Base in Louisiana.
“This has been a truly humbling experience,” said Tillage. “There was no way I could have conceived that the path my father and I are on would involve me having one-on-one discussions at the White House with the country’s highest ranking business officials. Our hope is that the story of Tillage Construction inspires others to take that step toward entrepreneurship, pursue their dreams, create jobs and strengthen the economy of our country. Our main characteristics of success are hard work, perseverance and dedication. With these ingredients, success is possible for everyone.”
Tillage Construction LLC has been featured in the New York Times, The Baton Rouge Business Report, Black Enterprise, The Morning Advocate and the international publication of Kauffman foundation’s thought book. The company was a finalist for the Black Enterprise Small Business of the Year award and named the PTAC HUBZone Business of the Year. They were honored with the United States Small Business Award for excellence, and were recognized in both 2011 and 2012 as one of the fastest growing private companies in America by Inc. 5000.
Tillage Construction LLC and its employees have continually demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the community. The company made a conscious effort to not only headquarter their office in a historically underutilized business zone but to hire and utilize as many subcontractors from that and other communities like it throughout Baton Rouge. Tillage Construction LLC continues support the north Baton Rouge community where Mr. Tillage grew up by sponsoring the local youth athletic association, providing scholarships through various church and social organizations, underwriting the Scotlandville secret Santa program and participating in the NBA New Orleans Hornets tickets for charity program.