Posted by Maureen Petron – I had a great time last week in Ellsworth, Maine, meeting NASE Member Doug Springer. Doug is the 2010 NASE Achievement Award recipient. He gained that honor by using a $4,000 grant from the NASE to purchase equipment for his gymnastics center – and enroll his largest male class since he opened his doors eight years ago.
Molly Nelson from the NASE and I traveled up to meet Doug, his wife and three adorable daughters. We were able to hang out at the gymnastics center (Molly was even brave enough to try out some of the equipment!), see a team practice in action, and watch the photo shoot of Doug with his big check. (Did I mention that the achievement award comes with $20,000?)

Read all about Doug’s success and our presentation here.
And if you’re interested in the NASE Business Development Grant program, check out this video about how previous recipients have used the money to grow their business. Then start on your own application!