Gov. Steve Beshear has unveiled a new small business specialty license plate design, created to bring attention to the major role small businesses play in Kentucky’s economy. The design was selected by the Kentucky Commission on Small Business Advocacy, in cooperation with Partners for Entrepreneurial Advancement in Kentucky (PEAK), following a statewide license plate design competition launched last fall.

“Small businesses power our economy, from main street to the farm and everywhere in between,” said Gov. Beshear. “We want Kentucky to be known as an entrepreneur-friendly state, and this is just one way for us to demonstrate that message. I’m committed to helping small businesses grow and thrive in the Commonwealth. Whether it’s through our recently enacted small business tax credit program, our new minority and women-owned business enterprise certification program, or the numerous other programs and services Kentucky offers, we’re rolling out the red carpet for small businesses in Kentucky.”

The winning small business license plate design was created by Barry Arnold, lead designer for Gerald Printing, a small business with locations in Bowling Green and Russellville. Gerald Printing began business in Kentucky in 1971, and currently employs 35 people.

“We are thrilled and honored to have our design selected for the small business license plate,” said Joe Davis, president of Gerald Printing. This is a great way to start off 2011 as we prepare to celebrate our 40^th year in business.”

“The Kentucky Commission on Small Business Advocacy is delighted to be a part of this initiative,” said Cathy Zion, chair of the Commission on Small Business Advocacy and a small business owner herself. “One of the goals of our commission is to raise the visibility of small businesses here in Kentucky. We envision the plates being mini-billboards promoting small business on vehicles throughout the state.”

PEAK, a statewide nonprofit organization that supports economic development through small and micro business development, will immediately begin accepting applications and payment for the specialty plate. Before production can begin, 900 applications with a $25 payment must be collected. Application forms and additional information, including a copy of the license plate design, can be found on PEAK’s website at.

“On behalf of Partners for Entrepreneurial Advancement in Kentucky, we would like to thank Governor Beshear and the Kentucky Commission on Small Business Advocacy for sponsoring and supporting the specialty small business license plate initiative,” said Tyrone Tyra, a board member of both PEAK and the Commission on Small Business Advocacy. “Small businesses play a vital role in our state’s economy and this license plate communicates that importance. We look forward to participating in this worthwhile endeavor and, with proceeds generated from the plate sales, encouraging small and micro business development throughout the Commonwealth.”

Additional information on Kentucky’s small business development efforts is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.