By Jeffrey Bean
November 21, 2005

Recognizing the importance of small business to the Akron (OH) economy, American Management Services has expanded its presence in Akron by establishing a position within the company to provide small business owners direct access to the firm’s expertise and to promote the Partner America program.

Field Service Manager Erik Jensen is the first company representative to be based in the Akron area. With the support of National Sales Manager Gary Antonino, Jensen’s role will be to bring “The Business Survey” – a complete diagnostic of a small business – directly to business owners in the Akron area. Jensen will interview business owners in the Greater Akron area to qualify them for this unique business survey and will play a strategic role in introducing them to the Partner America™ program - a unique public/private partnership created between American Management Services and The United States Conference of Mayors.

In the last twelve months, American Management Services completed 54 successful small business turnarounds and over the past five years, and has completed more than 250 successful turnarounds.

American Management’s expansion into Akron is encouraged by Akron Mayor Donald Plusquellic and the Conference of Mayors. “Small business fuels our economy and I’m proud that The United States Conference of Mayors and the city of Akron will benefit from the Partner America™ program and the expertise of American Management Services. I encourage business owners in my community to reap the rewards these organizations bring,” Plusquellic said.

“Partner America’s™ goal is to bridge the gap between small business owners and the many resources, including government loans and grants, made available to them. The problem is that many business owners don’t know where or how to get help,” says George Cloutier. “I believe the increased presence of American Management and the Partner America™ program in Akron can change that.”

In addition to the Business Survey, Cloutier plans to host small business conferences and roundtable events in Akron in the near future.

For further information about the Partner America Program, contact Jeffrey Bean, Managing Director at jbean@usmayors.org