The 2008 Young Entrepreneur of the Year
 Ben Queen is Youngest Ever to Receive "Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur of the Year"
At 13 years old, most students are having fun, playing sports and hanging out with their friends. But if you can have fun, spend time with your friends AND can make some money at it, why not do that?
That's exactly what Ben did with this website (www.BenQueenPhotography.com). After just six months on-line and more than 2,900 hits on the website, Ben has sold well over 1,000 photos.
In June, his hobby turned small business earned him the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce's 2008 Young Entrepreneur of the Year. This award goes to an individual under the age of 21 who demonstrates a keen interest in business.
"Ben took his love of photography and turned it into a business. This award is intended to recognize young people who demonstrate a unique interest in the promotion of business, interests and skills. Ben certainly fell into that category", said Evans King, chairman of the Chamber board of directors.
 Ben was introduced and presented with the award at the Chamber's annual dinner meeting held on June 10th at the Bridgeport Conference Center. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the plaque to Ben by WVU Head Football Coach Bill Stewart.
"I want to thank my teachers for their encouragement, especially my computer teacher Mrs. Frenzel and my yearbook teacher, Mrs. Fisher," Ben said.
"My principals, Mrs. Crawford and Mrs. Harris have been great in allowing me to take pictures at school. They always encourage me to do my best... in and out of the classroom."
"I want to thank other photographers like Sam Santilli, Bob Shaw, Alice Rowe and Tom Mellotte for being so nice to me and giving me pointers and my business would not be possible without Dorsey Shreve teaching me how to build and manage a website."
"Of course, I want to say thanks to all of my customers!"
"Finally, I want to thank my parents for their help and support. And, I would like to thank God for giving me the chance to do something that I really like to do."
Last Update: 02/12/2010
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Combining his love of photography, sports and making his own money, Ben Queen realized very quickly that there was a market for amateur photography in his hometown of Bridgeport, West Virginia.
