WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration played host to top entrepreneurs from around the country and recognized the National Small Business Person of the Year for 2003 during ceremonies held during the agency's National Entrepreneurial Conference & Exposition. The three-day conference, Sept. 17-19, followed a series of events in local communities in the U.S. honoring state Small Business Persons of the Year in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. This year's celebration was part of the SBA's 50th anniversary observance. Also during the conference, the SBA unveiled its "Hall of Fame" where the SBA will honor successful, nationally known companies that got started with the help of SBA-backed financing. Other special awards included the SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Small Business Exporter of the Year, and the SBA Entrepreneurial Success Award which goes to a company that has developed into a large business with SBA assistance. An award to the National SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Chapter of the Year was also presented.