Melinda and John Farrell, owners of ProGifts Inc. of Gainesville, are the nominees for Small Business Person of the Year by the University of North Florida Small Business Development Center.
The Farrells, who started their business in 1999, sell promotional products, business gifts and branded apparel. They first will compete for the district title in Florida, and if they win will go on to compete regionally. If they capture the regional title, they will move on to the national competition.
The national winner will be named in mid-April, in time for the Small Business Administration's Small Business Week.
The Small Business Development Center, based in Gainesville, covers five counties: Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist and Levy.
Doris Chandler can be reached at 352 374-5094 or chandld@ gvillesun.com
