A local businessman was recently surprised by an anniversary celebration - but he only wanted to share the spotlight with his employees.

Howard Bush, owner of B&B Ford in Barnwell, celebrated 20 years of being in business June 15 with his family and employees. Those employees are what Bush says makes his business successful.

"Every person is important and it is a team effort," he said.

Bush said he has a great group of people working for him. They are certified and work to maintain those certifications, he said.

"That is the strength of the business," he said.

As much appreciation as Bush has for his employees, that appreciation is reciprocated.

"He is one of the greatest guys I've ever worked wih. He's not just a boss, he's a friend," Allen Baxley said.

Baxley is the sales manager at B&B. Because of his employees, currently 25, Bush said he has been able to simplify the goal of his business.

"What we strive to do is maximize the productivity of our employees in providing service to our customers," Bush said.

With the current and recent economic situation around the country, Bush said although it has had a local impact, he believes the entire country now doing what most small communities have been doing all along.

"We have to do business with people who do businss with us," he said. "We can't expect the government to solve all our problems. We've got to make a change if we are going to survive."

Although Bush's toughts are learning to golf tee times instead of the colors of the fall models, he is glad he has someone in the ranks to turn the business over to when the time comes and he is thankful for his business.

Bush's son, Andrew is currently the general manager at the dealership.

"I am so thankful for the opportunity to just be here," Howard said.

He said he would love to see the area grow once again and to have numerous car dealers in the county.

The more cars that are here in the area, the more people will come here to shop, he said.

Bush also has advice for those who may be struggling.

"Everything in life is a blessing." One just has to see it that way, he said.

Howard learned this lesson as he started to purchase B&B Ford.

Howard said when he decided to buy B&B Ford in 1988, he went to three banks who provided small business administration loans.

Howard had what he thought he needed to get the loan, a great credit history and money to put into the venture, he said.

However, he was turned down, not once but three separate times.He said he had asked God to let it happen if it was the right thing to do.

He said after being turned down three times, he was sure it was just not meant to be.

Without searching for an additional source of funding, Howard said a gentleman from Ford Credit happened to ask how the purchase was going. When he told him what had transpired with the three banks, the gentleman told him he would take care of it. Howard said within three days, the financing was made available.

"You need to know where your blessings come from," he said.