Chip Sammons of Holistic Pet Center has been announced as the 2012 winner of the Small Business Administration (SBA )Small Business Person of the Year Award for Oregon.
“Chip Sammons demonstrates a remarkable passion for the products and services he offers at the Holistic Pet Center in Clackamas,” shared Deputy District Director Robert DuCotè.
Chip Sammons opened a pet food store 23 years ago, under a forward-thinking premise: healthy food for dogs and cats. Over the years Chip has established himself as a foremost pet health industry expert, constantly researching the highest quality natural pet food products and even developing his own healthy pet vitamin line to offer his customers. Now Chip is regarded by industry manufacturers and distributors as an expert in the pet nutrition business, and is often quoted in various national magazines.
Chip attributes the Holistic Pet Center’s successes in the face of big box competitors to his highly-informed employees, who are able to offer detailed advice and top-notch service. The employees are a testament to Chip’s in-depth knowledge, which he has made efforts to grow and share since day one. For 17 years, Chip has hosted a weekly radio program imparting information on how pet owners can best care for their pet companions.
How did Chip get his start? In the nascent stages of his business research, Chip sought the consult of advisors at the Clackamas Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Chip himself attributes his ability to grow and sustain his business to assistance he has received from SBDC advisors since before Holistic Pet Center opened its doors.
“The trusting relationships Chip shares with advisors at the Clackamas Community College Small Business Development Center speak both to his personal commitment to grow his business, and to the quality services offered by the SBDC network,” said Assistant Associate Administrator Calvin Goings.
The Holistic Pet Center exhibits strengths across the SBA award criteria for Small Business Person of the Year, including innovativeness of products offered, response to adversity, staying power, and contributions to community-oriented projects. Chip has served as President of Your Chamber (past), President of the Board of CCI Enterprises (non-profit providing services for people with disabilities), and is recognized as a leader among his National Community Civilian Corps peers.
Photo is of Chip Sammons with Karen Mills, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, in the East Room at the White House.