Jill Scarbro-McLaury has been selected as Small Business Person of the Year for West Virginia by U.S. Small Business Administration and will be honored virtually on May 5 with awardees from other states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Each year, the SBA celebrates National Small Business Week by recognizing the achievements of outstanding small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States.

Scarbro-McLaury is the owner of Bright Futures Learning Services in Hurricane. The business employs 40 individuals in its mission to support individuals with autism and other disabilities.

When the Putnam County Commission learned that Scarboro-McLaury was to be honored, it did not wait for May 5. The Commission recognized her achievements with a proclamation at its April 26 meeting.

Ashley Alford Glance of the Putnam Chamber of Commerce informed the Commission that Bright Futures Learning Services has had an impact upon the community that extends beyond those who are directly served. Glance stated that the Peyton & Peppy Boutique on Main Street in Hurricane was the result a family moving from the Parkersburg area to receive services which Bright Futures offers. The family continues to operate a boutique in Parkersburg in addition to its Hurricane location.