NEW: Alex and Ani's Rafaelian RI Small Businessperson of the Year

NEW: Alex and Ani's Rafaelian RI Small Businessperson of the Year

Celebrating a substantial history as an established business, growth in the number of employees, innovativeness of products and contributions to the community, the U.S. Small Business Administration has announced Alex and Ani, Inc. Owner, Designer Carolyn Rafaelian, Rhode Island’s Small Business Person of the Year.  The announcement means she will compete for the National Small Business Person of the Year.

Rafaelian was evaluated on sustained expansion of the Alex and Ani retail stores, Made in America products, her impact on the community through charitable efforts and the economic impact she has made by creating local, national and international job opportunities.  In 2011 alone, through Alex and Ani’s Charity by Design division, Rafaelian personally raised money for over 135 charitable organizations and/or individuals.

Rafaelian: "A blessing and an honor"

“It’s a blessing and an honor to be selected for Rhode Island’s Small Business Person of the Year," Rafaelian said. "A special thank you to Sherri Carrera for the nomination, Mark Hayward and Norm Deragon for delivering the good news and the continued support from the SBA Rhode Island District Office.  I truly appreciate the acknowledgement of the accomplishments of my business and I am proud to represent Rhode Island."

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