PRINCETON, N.J. — Joseph and Scott Needham, owners of Princeton Air Conditioning, have been selected as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2005 New Jersey Small Business Persons of the Year. Criteria for selection by the SBA included the Needhams’ hard work, innovative ideas and dedication to community.

National Small Business Week recognizes outstanding small business owners for personal achievements and contributions to the nation’s economy. This year, National Small Business Week was held April 24-30 in Washington, D.C. One outstanding entrepreneur represented each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam as state Small Business Persons of the Year. From this group, the National Small Business Person of the Year is chosen.

Joe Needham founded Princeton Air Conditioning in 1971 with an office located in Princeton and two employees. In 1974, Needham expanded the business to include the residential construction and light commercial markets. In 1993 Princeton Air Conditioning purchased a LINC commercial franchise and then the assets and customer base of Air Dimensions Inc.

Since 1971, the company has experienced steady growth, stable market share, and is a leading provider of HVAC and IAQ products and services to the residential, commercial and industrial markets in central New Jersey.