Santa Ana, Calif.—April showers are bringing more than flowers for Fabrica International and its co-founder Al Frink as both have been recognized by the government for the quality work they do. The Dixie Group division, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, was honored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) by being inducted into its Hall of Fame. An official ceremony for the 2004 SBA Hall of Fame Award will take place May 21 in Orlando, Fla., at the Orange County Convention Center as part of the administration’s Ex po ’04 to celebrate National Small Business Week. Hector Barreto, SBA’s administrator, said the Hall of Fame recognizes successful companies that have received some type of counseling or assistance from the agency. Many of them are household names, included FedEx, Intel, Compaq and Staples.

He noted, induction into the Hall of Fame is one of SBA’s most selective programs as only 23 companies have been inducted. In 1974, Frink and his partners, Scott Guenther and Bob Forte, were provided a $100,000 small business loan as part of the capital needed to start Fabrica “on its road to success” in providing high-end fashion forward carpeting from its California facilities. Today, Fabrica has more than 400 employees. Frink called the induction “a great honor” not just for Fabrica, but the flooring industry. “It’s very symbolic in that a company in the floor covering industry is being recognized on such a high national level.”

On a personal level, he said Fabrica owes much of its success to SBA. “It was more than the money, but how we had to apply for it. We had to put together a two-year business plan and that was the basis for our success. SBA forced us to be better businesspeople by making us be more attentive to details.” Along with the SBA recognition for Fabrica, Frink has been nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing and Services in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Last fall, the Bush administration announced the creation of a manufacturing czar to address the heavy losses in the manufacturing sector and the nomination is a result of that directive.

Right now, the appointment would be for two years, but because this is a brand new position within the government, the timeframe could change. The nomination still needs to be confirmed by Congress, which is expected to happen before July 4. But, from the amount of public endorsements he has received, that does not appear to be a problem. If confirmed, Frink will leave Fabrica and move to the nation’s capital as “this is a full-time job. It’s not a casual ‘put a plaque on the wall’ type of position. This is a major commitment. “But,” he continued, “one that I am willing to make. I felt this is the perfect opportunity to make a distinguished exit from Fabrica and also help my country in the process. It’s a patriotic decision and I’m very honored and humbled to have been nominated”

In Washington, he will take on the task for creating jobs and increasing competitiveness against the backdrop of some of the heaviest losses in the manufacturing sector in decades. He would also oversee the implementation of recommendations in the Commerce Department’s recently released manufacturing report, which made suggestions on how to revitalize U.S. manufacturing. Frink’s nomination has received endorsements from a variety of sectors, including SBA’s Barreto. “I talk to small business owners every day, and one thing many of them have told me is, we need to reinforce the manufacturing sector, particularly the small business manufacturing sector. Al Frink is the right man to help lead that effort. His extensive background in the manufacturing industry, his first-hand knowledge of the challenges small businesses face and his subsequent experience running a larger firm make him the perfect choice to be the administration’s point person on manufacturing.” Donald Evans, Commerce Secretary, noted, “Frink’s extensive background as a manufacturer makes him a great candidate to serve because he has walked in their shoes and knows first-hand the barriers which are challenging American manufacturers.” And, Werner Braun, president of the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI), noted, “CRI will use its efforts to encourage a swift approval of his nomination and will look forward to working closely with him in the future.” —Matthew Spieler