Douglas Gorman calls Tulsa "the best-kept secret in the country." The word is out, however, about the company he runs here -- a retail operation for manufactured homes.

Gorman, president of Home-Mart Inc., was named Small Business Person of the Year on Wednesday by the Metropolitan Tulsa Chamber of Commerce. The annual awards luncheon, held this year at CityPlex Towers, honored a number of area small business owners and advocates during Small Business Week.

"When a young couple comes in hoping to get a home, we can make their dreams reachable," Gorman said.

The entrepreneur has realized his dreams during the past 12 years. Gorman and his wife, Milliecq, started the business in 1988 in Coweta. The couple moved Home- Mart to Tulsa a year later.

Tulsa's solid economy has enabled his company to grow tremendously, Gorman said. Home-Mart has expanded from an initial sales staff of two to 20 today.

In 1999, Home-Mart's sales totalled $11 million and the staff sold more than 200 homes.

The company is the first retailer to win the Manufactured Housing Institute's Retailer of the Year award for three consecutive years. Home-Mart received its latest honor in April from the national trade organization.

Gorman said the company's strong relationship with lenders and low-pressure sales approach are keys to customer satisfaction. He attributes most of his success to a dedicated staff, many of whom have been with him for more than a decade.

Larry Mocha, president and chief executive of Air Power Systems Co. Inc. and longtime small business advocate, gave the keynote address.

"If we can work together to address our needs, we can win," Mocha said.

He stressed the importance of joining the chamber, lobbying lawmakers and supporting pro-business candidates during this election year.

Others receiving chamber awards were:

Entrepreneurial Success Award -- Bretcq Chandler, president and CEO of Rib Crib BBQ, Inc.

Minority Business of the Year -- Cheryl Cohenourcq, president of CRC & Associates.

Manufacturer of the Year -- Gary and Cindy Hargrove, owners of Sand Springs- based Hargrove Manufacturing.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year -- Anthony Reisscq of Reiss Painting Co. Inc.

Family Owned Business -- Bill Stokely, president of Stokely Outdoor Advertising.

Manufacturer of the Year -- Don O. Beaulieucq, president of Two Seeds Co. Ltd.

Exporter of the Year -- Tommy Worth, owner and president of Aero Weld Inc.

Honored as Small Business Advocates of the Year were:

Women in Business Advocate -- Ann Marie Antonionocq, publisher of Tulsa Woman Magazine.

Accountant Advocate -- Harry Lay of Tullius Taylor Sartain & Sartain.

Journalist Advocate -- Jim Langdon, president of Langdon Publishing Co.

Financial Services Advocate -- James H. Bennett, president of Tulsa National Bank.

Minority Business Advocate -- Jerry Goodwin, formerly of The Oklahoma Eagle and now representing The Goodwin Group LLC.

In addition, Chuck Loop of Marketing Innovations was recognized for his years of leadership and service in the business community and in the chamber.

The final local event in Small Business Week will be an appearance Thursday by national author T. Scott Gross. The author of "Borrowed Dreams: The Roughest, Toughest Jobs on the Planet . . . and What I Learned From Working Them" will speak at 7 p.m. at Tulsa Community College Performing Arts Center, 10300 E. 81st St. Cost is $20.

Nicole Nascenzi, World staff writer, can be reached at 581-8315 or via e- mail at nicole.nascenzi@tulsaworld.com.