WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SCORE, – www.score.org - mentors to America's small businesses, recognizes those entrepreneurs whose small business pursuits honor and reflect the admirable work and values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  For decades, King's example has inspired entrepreneurs to pursue their own dreams and passions and use their work to better their communities, societies and the world.  He famously spoke of the value of self-reliance saying, "The dignity of the individual will flourish when the decisions concerning his life are in his own hands…and when he knows that he has the means to seek self-improvement."

"Martin Luther King, Jr. represents the core of what it means to be an entrepreneur – someone who takes action where they see need for improvement even if it's in new territory that has never been tread upon, takes courage and involves personal risks," said SCORE CEO Ken Yancey. "We are honored to serve such individuals who take matters into their own hands to affect real change through small business ventures across America."

In his 1963 book, Strength to Love, King wrote, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."  SCORE client Annemarie du LeBohn uses her own story of hardship and perseverance to inspire others to reach their own highest potential.  For 30 years, du LeBohn suffered from fear, self-doubt and low confidence as a result of a stalker and sexual assault. Then in 2010, she decided to turn her life around by setting a goal of completing the grueling Ironman race.  She accomplished the immense physical and mental undertaking and now shares the tools she used to do it with others through speaking engagements across the country. SCORE mentors Tom Patty and Betty Otte helped du LeBohn turn her inspiring message into a profitable venture, resulting in great success including a featured speech at TEDxOrangeCoast in October 2012.

In Strength to Love, King also spoke of the importance of unity, acceptance and peaceful cooperation saying, "Life at its best is a creative synthesis of opposites in fruitful harmony."  Echoing these values, SCORE client Marilyn Moats Kennedy has created a business of educating and assisting employers and employees with changing workforce demographics and how to optimize these differences within an organization.  Moats Kennedy shares her wisdom in this area, gained from decades of teaching and consulting, through workshops, keynote speeches and blogging.  SCORE mentor Peg Corwin gave her guidance on how to effectively market the business digitally through the use of an improved website, social media engagement and search engine optimization. 

To read more about the successes of these and other SCORE clients whose small businesses reflect the values and efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., visit: www.score.org/success-stories  

About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 9 million aspiring entrepreneurs. Each year, SCORE provides small business mentoring and workshops to more than 375,000 new and growing small businesses. More than 12,000 business experts volunteer as mentors in over 340 chapters serving local communities with entrepreneur education to help grow 1 million small businesses.

For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800/634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Visit SCORE at www.score.org. Connect with SCORE at www.facebook.com/SCOREFans and www.twitter.com/SCOREMentors.

Contact Information
Shalini Karnani Bonjour 800/634-0245
media@score.org 

SOURCE SCORE