Washington, D.C. - In recognition of National Small Business Week, U.S. Senator Jim Risch has named Quest Aircraft of Sandpoint as the Idaho Small Business of the Day. The company will be recognized in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.
“I am pleased to recognize Quest Aircraft of Sandpoint as an outstanding small business. They began their business prior to a significant downturn in the economy, held things together and have grown their business through planning, hard work and building a great product,” said Risch. “Despite the challenges they and all small businesses face due to government regulations, they are providing good jobs in the area and a great aircraft that is being used around the world. I congratulate them on their success.”
Starting with 14 employees in 2001, Quest Aircraft began the development of a rugged, short takeoff and landing turboprop aircraft requiring only 1,000 feet of runway. In 2007, following FAA certification, they began production and delivery of the KODIAK to humanitarian organizations around the world. Today, Quest Aircraft employs nearly 200 people in the production of this backcountry airplane that is used by humanitarian organizations, foreign governments, private owners and the U.S. Park Service.
Headquartered in Sandpoint, the company follows a philosophy of philanthropy that allows them to use the profits they bring in to donate approximately every 10th airplane produced to a not-for-profit humanitarian organization.
Senator Risch is the highest ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The committee oversees proposed legislation or matters relating to entrepreneurship and provides oversight of the Small Business Administration. They also research, investigate and report all problems relating to American’s small businesses to the full Senate.
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the National Small Business Week.
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