National Industry Release

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release    
DATE:   November 18, 2008
Contact: Mary Ellen Merrigan, 505-280-9772; E-mail:  mmerrigan@merrigangroup.com

New Mexico EXHIB-IT! CEO Named State’s Small Business Person of the Year

Albuquerque, NM – Debbie Jo “DJ” Heckes, owner and CEO of EXHIB-IT! Tradeshow Marketing Experts is New Mexico’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2007. The New Mexico Small Business Administration District Office recognized Heckes during national Small Business Week April 23 – April 24, 2007.

“Small business is about people. That’s the lifeblood of EXHIB-IT! and New Mexico,” Heckes said. “We live and breathe the success of every customer at EXHIB-IT! Our core business involves relating to the person and their total tradeshow needs.”

Heckes founded EXHIB-IT! in 1998. Since that time her role as CEO has been synonymous with that of small business leader. At a time when her business was growing more than 100%, Heckes was active in seven chambers in New Mexico and Texas. To that list she adds a host of additional activities including Crime Stoppers, Albuquerque Economic Development, American Marketing Association, and National Association of Women Business Owners.

In addition to heading a team of eleven employees, Heckes handles a busy travel schedule and continues to sell for her company. “Like every small business owner I wear lots of hats,” she says.

The result is a growing list of recognitions. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce awarded EXHIB-IT! its annual Corporate Citizenship Award for small business in April 2007. During First Quarter of the year, Heckes received the prestigious Top 10 Woman of Influence Award from New Mexico Business Weekly.

EXHIB-IT! Trade Show Marketing Experts, a GSA certified, Woman-Owned Business offers complete trade show services from design, production and installation to storage and marketing of booths. See more than 50 product offerings and samples in the 8000 square foot showroom offices of EXIB-IT! or log onto www.exhib-it.com.