Washington, D.C. - U.S Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, has named TelStar Associates, Inc. of Idaho Falls, Idaho as the “Small Business of the Month” for October 2017. TelStar will be recognized in the Congressional Record of the Senate.
“Each month I am proud to recognize an Idaho small business that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of our great country,” said Chairman Risch. “This month’s recipient, TelStar Associates does that and more, as the owner, Michael Corbit is also a veteran who has served our country in the armed forces prior to taking the helm as President and CEO of TelStar. As this week is National Veterans Small Business Week, it is only fitting that we take a moment to thank Michael and the veterans like him who play such a significant role in supporting our local communities, this time as small business owners who bolster our economy.”
TelStar was founded in 1979 by Jose Telleria and Douglas Stark, who decided to join together and use their individual strengths and experience in the field of information technology to create their own business. The company name, “TelStar” is a combination of the names of its founders, and represents the partnership between Telleria (Tel) and Stark (Star). For their first contract, TelStar developed a software program that tracked the storage and shipping of onions for Murakami Produce. Within a short period of time, TelStar was providing their services to a diverse range of clients in both the private and public sectors. TelStar also developed a chemical management and waste disposal management application that is currently used by the U.S. Navy. Current owner Michael Corbit, a veteran, joined TelStar as a computer technician in 1998. Michael transitioned into the role of President and CEO about a decade after first joining the firm.
As a leader in the IT field, Michael expanded a business already known for flexibility and consistency, growing the company from 2 employees in 1979 to more than 30 employees today. Responding to the changing needs of businesses, TelStar expanded their services from custom contract programming to network support, field services, cyber security, and IT staffing services. TelStar provides their clients with access to affordable staffing services that allow them to improve their IT capabilities. In an increasingly technological world, small businesses have the opportunity to benefit from enterprises like TelStar.
The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to entrepreneurship and provides oversight of the Small Business Administration. The committee also researches, investigates and reports all problems relating to America’s small businesses to the full Senate. As Chairman, Risch honors America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Senate each month.
