U.S. Chamber of Commerce Names American WeatherStar Blue Ribbon Award Winner

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 5, 2015 – Mobile-based American WeatherStar (AWS) is one of 100 companies receiving the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Blue Ribbon Small Business award. Business practices considered in determining the award include strategy, employee development, community involvement and customer service.

Nominated by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, AWS is the third Mobile area business to win the award since the program began a decade ago. Previous Mobile area winners are Weinacker's Montessori School, 2013, and BES, 2007.

AWS is also competing for the Community Excellence Award decided by online votes through March 4. The winner of this competition receives a Crystal award and a two-night stay during America's Small Business Summit, taking place June 8-10 in Washington D.C.

"We thought American WeatherStar was notable because of its unique business model for the roofing industry, and we were right. Not only are they ensuring their customers' success, but their own," said Darrell Randle, vice president of small business development for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

A Mobile-based commercial and industrial roofing material supplier, American WeatherStar's Founder and President Brian O'Donnell first became an entrepreneur when he approached the Atlanta company he was working for about being an independent representative. Three years later, the University of South Alabama graduate returned home to Mobile to start AWS. Today he sells a variety of products including those of his former employer.

Like many small businesses, O'Donnell began the company in his home in 2004 before renting office space in midtown Mobile two years later. In 2013, the company expanded to a 5,000-square-foot-facility off Halls Mill Road. AWS has 12 local employees and six independent field representatives.

The company is unique in that it provides their customers (dealers) with leads and technical assistance to assist them in closing deals, and conducting training for their contractor customers on the coatings (roofing) industry.

"We, at American Weatherstar (AWS), are extremely honored by the U.S. Chamber's Blue Ribbon award. It is confirmation that what we are doing here is worth noticing, and for that I want to thank all of our dedicated employees for their hard work and professionalism. I am also grateful for the recognition and support of the Mobile Area Chamber," said O'Donnell.

On March 18, the U.S. Chamber will announce seven regional finalists from among 100 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award® winners and will honor all of this year's winners at the annual America's Small Business Summit, taking place June 8-10 in Washington D.C.

A complete list of this year's Blue Ribbon Small Business Award® winners is availablevia the link provided below.

About the U.S. Chamber: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. For more information, please click on the link provided below.

About American WeatherStar: American WeatherStar (AWS), headquartered in Mobile, AL, is an industry-leading supplier of roof coatings, wall coatings, spray foam roofing, and single-ply roofing systems with Approved Dealers and Contractors spread all across America. All AWS roofing systems are energy efficient, reflective white roofing, also known as "cool roofing", that lower building temperature, reduce energy costs, while waterproofing roofs and walls. For more information, please use the information and links provided below.