Shandra Spicer, president and CEO of Buffalo-based Spicer Group, has been chosen as U.S. Small Business Administration's Small Business Person of the Year.

Spicer, unemployed after a construction company closed its doors, co-founded the former S & W Contracting of WNY Inc. in 1999. Today, Spicer Group is a commercial general construction and construction management firm with 20 full-time and four part-time employees.

Since 1999, Spicer has grown her business from $29,000 in annual revenue to more than $8 million. Spicer and others will receive their awards at ceremonies during SBA Small Business Week on May 11 and 13. On the 13th, they'll be honored at the SBA Small Business Week Awards Luncheon, to be held at Buffalo Niagara Convention Center from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tickets are $45 per seat or $450 per table of 10.

For more information or reservations, contact Kelly LoTempio, economic development specialist/public information officer at (716) 551-3249 or [email protected]. Registration also may be completed online.