Eleanor Andrews takes top SBA award.

• Position: President and CEO of The Andrews Group Inc.

Eleanor Andrews, president and CEO of The Andrews Group, Inc. of Anchorage, was named the 1998 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Andrews founded The Andrews Group (TAG) in 1987 to perform management and service contracts for military and federal agencies, as well as private-sector clients. Her firm provides logistics, information technology and support services in Alaska and the Lower 48.

"Eleanor is an excellent choice for this award," said Frank Cox, SBA's district director for Alaska. "She has built a great company by providing quality services and products, being dependable and following smart business practices."

The award is based on a businesses' growth in sales and employment, improved financial position, innovativeness of products and services, response to adversity, and contributions to the community.

Andrews' firm grew from a staff of one, to a corporate staff of 11 and a work force of more than 300. Revenues have grown exponentially since her first year of business, said Ronald J. Veltkamp, business development officer with SBA. Her corporate team has experience in accounting, finance, budgeting, payroll, contract and project management, human resource functions, and labor relations.

"TAG emphasizes teamwork as the way to best accomplish objectives and service the contracts for our customers," said...