(June 8, 2012)— After being selected the 2012 Louisiana Small Business Person of the Year from the Small Business Administration (SBA) in May, Edward V. Lepre of International Drug Detection (IDD) was again honored by SBA Administrator Karen Mills in Washington D.C. during National Small Business Week.
Lepre, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Harahan based company was noted as an individual who best personifies the value of hard work, innovative ideas and dedication to the community.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by this award since the SBA recognized me and my company for our achievements as a small business,” Lepre said. “Small business leaders are the job creators and difference makers in the lives of our families.”
From a business started in the living room of his home, IDD now boasts revenues of $2.5 million annually. Over the past 15 years, the company has conducted more than 250,000 tests for clients ranging from local schools to several fortune 500 companies. in 2010, they conducted more than 50,000 drug and alcohol tests to BP contractors during the Gulf Oil Spill.
IDD has earned several prestigious awards for its K-9 dog drug detection team and Lepre has earned C-SAPA (Certified Substance Abuse Program Administrator) designation. Lepre is also the CEO of CGL Enterprises, LLC and is also planning to open the Maestri Hotel on St. Charles Ave. in 2013.
Lepre was honored with awards from the SBA and Louisiana Economic Development at celebrations conducted at the Governor’s Mansion on May 15 and at an awards luncheon sponsored by the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce on May 17.
Each year, the Jefferson Chamber nominates businesses to participate in the SBA Awards. Over the past four years, Chamber nominated businesses have won a total of 35 state-wide SBA awards in several different categories, including three regional winners and one national winner.
For more information about how your business can be nominated for an SBA Award, please contact the Jefferson Chamber at (504) 835-3880.
To learn more about IDD, please visit www.idd0070.com.
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