2005 SBA AWARDS: Veteran Small Business Champion

Joseph A. Franklin Owner, Disabled American Veteran Services, Schenectady Nominated by the NYS Small Business Development Center-Albany

Joseph A. Franklin of Schenectady is the SBA's Region II Veteran Small Business Champion of the year. He is the founder and a director of Uncle Sam's House, Inc. in Troy, a not-for-profit corporation that has assisted more than 1,000 veterans by providing housing, counseling, and employment opportunities for veterans in the Capital Region.

Franklin's military background, which includes 20 years of active and reserve duty with the U. S. Army, has made him keenly aware of the issues affecting veterans today.

His influence on state legislative and regulatory issues has resulted in legislation that has allowed service-connected veteran businesses to be treated equally to minority- or women-owned businesses for New York State purchasing preferences.

Most recently, Franklin has created a Veteran Business Center in downtown Schenectady. Through his efforts, a number of commercial businesses have either started or relocated to the site, resulting in at least 50 new jobs for veterans.

Lt. Col. Howard Wildove, USAF (RET), Veterans Business Advisor Small Business Development Center, University at Albany has worked with Franklin and nominated him for his dedication and effectiveness in providing opportunities for veterans in the Capital Region.

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