LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – A gathering held to salute the success of several East Texas businesses and to honor a businessman who was killed in a motorcycle accident less than a week ago.
At Pinecrest country club, Longview ‘Small Business Solutions’ held a luncheon to honor those in the local business community.
“Small businesses, sometimes called mom and pop operations, those are the businesses under 15 employees that really drive the economy,” event organizer David Jochum said.
Three companies received awards for their contribution to new and existing business.
One of the companies highlighted is ‘Forbes and Butler Visual Communications’.
“They receive our Small Business of the Year award, which is our most prestigious award today.” says Jochum.
On April 28, Jason Butler, one of the co-owners, was killed in a single passenger motorcycle accident in Harrison county.
Remembered as a talented and published artist, his business partner says Jason would have been thrilled with the award.
“It is an extreme honor to be recognized when you did not expect it. Jason and all of us in the office, we are very proud to have been named Small Business of the Year. We lasted through Covid and all that and we are blessed to have amazing customers. It’s very bittersweet,” says Holly Forbes, Jason’s business partner of 22 years.
Butler and those like him personify the importance of small business in any community.
“Jason really epitomized hard work. the spirit behind being an entrepreneur and business owner,” says Jochum.
Jason Butler was a big fan of the art, and a mural of one of his ‘prints’ is planned to be created in downtown Longview.
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