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Boninger Wins 2020 Sam Volpentest Entrepreneurial Leadership Award (Sammy)

Ronald (Ron) M. Boninger, a member of the TCRD Board of Directors, is the winner of the 2020 Sam Volpentest Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, better known as the “Sammy.” Boninger is the CEO of Carbitex, Inc., a Board and Executive Committee member of Fuse SPC, and the owner and founder of Stillmore, LLC. Boninger noted that the award was totally unexpected and an incredible surprise. “I only stand on the shoulders of those that have come before me and those who are here today. I am simply inspired by so many businesspeople in the Tri-Cities that have been so welcoming and helpful to me from the day I arrived nine years ago.”

Carbitex is a venture backed company with over $12 million in venture capital to commercialize its patented flexible carbon fiber technology. Fuse is a coworking business and community accelerator whose mission is to assist entrepreneurs with launching successful businesses by offering relevant business and community education and events. Stillmore is a start-up and small business management and investment company focused on community improvement through small business economic success. Along with several commercial real estate investments in the Richland Parkway area, Stillmore has invested in other Tri-Cities-based start-ups and companies such as Fuse, Carbitex, Humming Hemp and Wildland.

In addition, local entrepreneurs are recognized during the Entrepreneurial Awards ceremony, which are sponsored by the Richland Rotary, Port of Benton, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, TRIDEC, FUSE and the Tri-Cities Research District. This year’s winners are U.S. World Class Taekwondo Tri-Cities, nominated by the Tri-Cities Regional Chamber; d’s Wicked Cider, nominated by TRIDEC, Salus Disability Law, nominated by FUSE; and Wautoma Springs Winery, nominated by the Port of Benton. You can watch the entire awards program at https://vimeo.com/483748427.