Byline: ELIZABETH DORAN SMALL BUSINESS NOTEBOOK
John Pennisi, president and chief executive officer of Medical Management Resources Inc., is on the list of 2004 Best Bosses as named by Fortune Small Business magazine and Winning Workplaces.
Pennisi is among 15 'all-terrain' business leaders honored for their ability to motivate workers through continued belt-tightening while finding ways to grow. He was selected from 210 companies nominated nationwide and then from among 35 finalists.
The company, based in East Syracuse and founded in 1986, specializes in medical billing and practice management. The company has employee benefits including flex time, flex hours allowing employees to work longer each day to get every other Friday off, tuition reimbursement for industry-related courses, on-site day care and a fitness room. The company also stresses a team approach to customer service and solving problems and has a turnover rate below the industry average.
The complete list of winners appears in the October 2004 issue of Fortune Small Business and on the Winning Workplaces and FSB Web sites.
Federation honors Walsh
Rep. James Walsh, R-Onondaga, has been named a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business for his voting record on behalf of small businesses. Walsh sticks up for small business on issues such as tax relief, affordable health care, liability reform and regulatory reform, said Jack Faris, president and CEO of the federation.
The final 14 successful habits
Mark Russell, founder and president of Mark Russell & Associates, offered his own seven habits for success. Know where you're going, and be focused on the customer, he advised. Surround yourself with great people - not just those with intelligence but people who have character and who are self-motivated. Focus on your people, help them grow and make sure they're having fun. And don't be afraid to take some calculated risks. Also, try to work harder than everyone else, he said.
Carrie Lazarus, a broadcaster with WIXT-TV (Channel 9), said her top habit is make sure she spends time with her family, because they're the foundation of her life. Be prepared and passionate, try to be the light in the dark room and be fit and healthy.
A farewell
This is the last week for my Small Business notebook, as I'll soon be making the switch to covering Onondaga County government.
To everyone who has called and e-mailed me and stopped me at events to share news, I hope you'll still call me with county-related tips.
Pass your small-business events and news to business@syracuse.com, and best of luck in your entrepreneurial ventures. Keep in touch.
Staff writer Elizabeth Doran has reported on small business for The Post-Standard since 1998. Send her e-mail at edoran@syracuse.com.
