FALL RIVER
The South Eastern Economic Development Corporation has selected the Mass-RI Veterinary ER, of Swansea, as the “Small Business of the Year” for 2011.
The award was presented to Dr. Michelle A. Lampe and Aaron Morrison, co-owners of Mass-RI Veterinary ER.
“We are very pleased to present our Small Business of the Year award to a woman-owned small business, which has grown to 36 employees in these difficult economic times by providing excellent emergency and critical care to animals,” said Maria Gooch-Smith, SEED’s executive director.
SEED made 110 small business loans in 2011, totaling $32.8 million, leveraging $49.8 million in private funds and creating 582 new jobs, according to Gooch-Smith. SEED’s active portfolio of small business loans is now $109 million.
“Mass-RI Veterinary ER provides an excellent example of entrepreneurship, and quality service,” Gooch-Smith said. “The veterinary practice started in 2005 and has grown by providing 24 hour emergency and nursing care in all aspects of veterinary medicine by a dedicated and highly skilled nursing staff.”
SEED’s Nominating Committee selected MASS-RI Veterinary ER from a pool of 350 candidates. SEED’s criteria included enhancement of the region’s economy through creation of jobs, and financial performance.
Mass-RI Veterinary ER provides a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and the use of external laboratories. The facility has a pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, in-house digital x-ray capabilities, hospitalization area, and intensive care unit.
Over the last six years, annual revenues have increased by 600 percent and staff has grown from six to 36, including eight doctors of veterinary medicine. In 2007, SEED provided the practice with a $277,000 loan under the SBA 504 Program in conjunction with Greenwood Credit Union for total financing of $885,000. The financing enabled the practice to purchase a 5,100 square foot building at 477 Milford Road in Swansea to expand operations.