The National Federation of Independent Business has named Honolulu businessman Barron Guss as the state's Solveras/NFIB Small Business Champion of the Year

Guss is president and chief executive officer of ALTRES, the state's largest human resources company and professional employer organization (PEO). Guss was honored for his effort in lobbying the Legislature on behalf of small businesses.

"(Guss) and his team also work with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i in support of legislation beneficial for small business growth," said Melissa Pavlicek, NFIB/Hawai'i director.

He also was praised for his community work. Guss is a member of Parents and Children Together (PACT), United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawai'i, Blood Bank of Hawai'i, Adopt-A-Platoon, Academy of the Pacific, Academy of Model Aeronautics, Rotary Club and Temple Emanu-El.

The NFIB and Solveras, a payment processing company, annually selects a small business owner in each state for special recognition. Last year's state winner was Harvey King, co-founder and president of King & Neel.