Pittsfield, Mass. – To win a national award is one thing, but the chance to earn a second national distinction in just two weeks is quite another. Berkshire-based Brilliant Graphics Group is in just such a position, having garnered a 2010 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on March 1.

Now, Brilliant Graphics is calling on the local community to help position the company for the prestigious Community Excellence Award, given to one of 75 Blue Ribbon businesses for exceptional commitment to innovation, growth, and service, and decided by public voting from now until Friday, March 12.

One click here casts your vote for Brilliant Graphics, which represents one of only three Blue Ribbon winners in New England and one of two in Massachusetts. This fact alone places Brilliant in the company of an elite group of small businesses across the country recognized by more than 6,900 local chambers, however the Community Excellence Award is designed to highlight the small business that demonstrates excellence in the eyes of the community, clients, and staff.

Michael Supranowicz, President and CEO of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, said the recent good news from Brilliant Graphics Group will only add to the economic improvement being seen across the region.

"Brilliant Graphics is a prime example of the type of innovative enterprise found right here in our region," he said. "Over the past few years, the Berkshire business community has heard a great deal of good news from Brilliant Graphics, and we count ourselves lucky to have their operations here in the Pittsfield." Brilliant Graphic Group CEO and Founder Michael O. Ryan said the company's success has been built on translating emerging technology and features into tactical executions to create more impact and value for our customers.

"The strength of our team coupled with the very latest technical knowledge are two major reasons why both businesses are succeeding," said Ryan. "These are tough economic times that force you to think strategically and tactically now more than ever. You have to be willing to take risk and you must be in a position to add significant value to your customers." This approach has helped us navigate a challenging economy and give back to the Berkshire community."

Today, Brilliant Graphics has expanded its reach both locally and nationally. The scope of our work includes serving national companies as much as it does working with local businesses. Recent projects include The Smithsonian Institution, Carr Hardware, Steven's World of Flooring, Lee Bank, Winstanley Partners, Legacy Banks, Greylock Marketing and local artist Mary Sipp-Green.

"Our mission is to develop ideas that combine knowledge of customer challenges in their sales environment with options for more impactful, cost-effective solutions," Ryan added.

Brilliant Graphics Group is a large-format printer specializing in graphic design, 3D high resolution scanning, POP/Retail Signage, Tradeshow displays, Giclée/Fine Art Reproduction, photo laser imaging, digital-die cutting, UV coating, and film lamination. Brilliant Graphics is also a distributor for Matrix Frame & Fabric. The company was launched in 2007 by Ryan, who also founded Sampco Companies 24 years ago. Sampco is a national marketing services company that designs and manufactures samples and displays for the building materials industry.

Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said this year’s Blue Ribbon competition saw a record number of nominations, suggesting that the American entrepreneurial spirit is as strong as ever.

“We’re relying on small businesses to lead us out of this recession, create new jobs, and get our economy moving again, and these companies are leading the way,” said Donohue, noting that the Blue Ribbon awards do not recognize financial success alone. “It’s about honoring those that show a commitment to their employees, sound business practices, and bettering their communities.”

This year’s Blue Ribbon winners will be honored at America’s Small Business Summit in Washington D.C. from May 17 to 19. The awards are sponsored by Sam’s Club, and designed to recognize businesses that demonstrate best practices in strategic and employee development, community involvement, and customer service. Eligible companies need not be U.S. Chamber members, but must employ fewer than 250 employees with less than $20 million in gross revenues in 2008.

Please vote for Brilliant to receive the Community Excellence Award before May 12, 2010.