Local News

Twisp Insurance Agency Named 2018 SBA Seattle District Family-Owned Small Business of the Year

May 03, 2018

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2018 Seattle District Family-Owned Small Business of the Year is Melbourn Insurance Agency in Twisp, Washington, owned by Kelsey and Korrie Bourn. Founded in 1976 by their mother Melinda Bourn, Melbourn Insurance Agency provides both residential and commercial insurance options to residents within northeastern Washington state.

Following 41 years of operating in Twisp, Melinda opened a second location in Winthrop, Washington in 2008. The company continued to grow and saw record sales in 2016 which Melinda attributes to customer satisfaction and retention. The agency currently has six employees.

Melinda approached her four grown children about transitioning the family business; and her two youngest daughters, Kelsey and Korrie, took over the business as co-owners in July 2017; along with their business partner, Rebecca Gebbers.

“The importance of business succession in rural towns cannot be understated,” SBA Seattle District Director Kerrie Hurd said, “Transition of Bourn’s family-owned business to the next generation saves critical local jobs while retaining the character of the community by connecting its history to its future.”

The SBA Family-Owned Small Business of the Year award – part of National Small Business Week April 29-May 5, 2018 – honors a family-owned and operated business that has been passed from one generation to another. The owner(s) must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operation a small business with at least a 15-year track record.

“To see my daughters taking over a business that I built is amazing,” Melinda said. “Not only are they getting to continue on something that I put so much work into, but now they are able to stay in the Methow Valley area and contribute to the community in which they were raised. It just lights me up and I love that they are able to stay and work in the town they grew up in.” Melinda plans to stay on for a couple more years before fully retiring to make a smooth transition for both the new owners and the long-time clients.

The agency donates to several local non-profits on a continuous basis and has a strong commitment to “shop local” to keep revenue within the local community.

“National Small Business Week is a time to recognize the impact of small businesses in the Pacific Northwest by sharing their inspirational stories of success, resilience and determination,” SBA Regional Administrator Jeremy Field said. “It’s my honor to celebrate the entrepreneurs who use innovation to solve problems, create jobs and make a difference in our local communities.”

A celebration honoring local SBA winners from Washington state and the SBA Seattle District – which serves the state of Washington and northern Idaho – will be May 3, 2018. Other SBA local awards that will be recognized at the celebration include the Small Business Person of the Year, Exporter of the Year, Encore Entrepreneur of the Year, Millennial Entrepreneur of the Year, Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year and Small Business Champion of the Year.

Each year since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week. SBA recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal successes and contributions to our nation.

For more information about National Small Business Week, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw.