President Obama recognizes Bemidji's Andy Wells as Minnesota Small Business Person of the Year

Andy Wells, president of Wells Technology in Eckles Township, is in Washington, D.C., this week as part of National Small Business Week.

Wells is Minnesota's Small Business Person of the Year.

He met with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, DFL-Minn., who congratulated Wells on his award. He also was recognized by President Barack Obama in a speech at the White House. Click on the link below to watch that presentation.

Wells Technology is an industrial manufacturing business based in Bemidji. Wells is also the founder of Wells Academy, a program that teaches students about career opportunities in American industry and helps students develop workforce skills.

"Andy's success is hard-earned and well-deserved," Klobuchar said in a statement. "He is an example of the power of American ingenuity and innovation. "Our small businesses are a vital part of Minnesota's roots and economy. They create jobs and promote economic growth in our local communities."

Klobuchar noted that the economic recovery act included relief for small businesses. She pushed to include funding for high-speed Internet in the recovery package, which will help expand broadband access in rural communities, so small businesses can better compete in the global economy, she said.