Local Business, Catoctin Creek Distilling, Named Runner-Up in Sage's National Small Business Start-Up Contest

PURCELLVILLE, VA--(Marketwire - October 22, 2009) - Sage North America today announced the winner and runners-up in its $20,000 MyBizCounts.com Start-Up Cash Contest, aimed at helping entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into reality. Loudoun County-based Catoctin Creek Distilling Company was named a runner-up in this nationwide contest spotlighting the entrepreneurial spirit.

"We are incredibly honored to be recognized by this distinguished panel of judges, and in the company of these other amazing new businesses," said Scott Harris, founder, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company. "Following our passion and starting our business this year has been an amazing journey for us so far, and we appreciate the support Sage is offering to entrepreneurs."

Contest participants were tasked with creating a brief video commercial for their business idea or new business (less than two years old), along with their business plan and a brief essay. Based on online votes, the 20 most popular videos advanced to the final judging round. Videos, business plans and essays were then evaluated by a team of small business experts, including Wayne Rivers, co-founder and president, Family Business Institute, and Bob Shephard, Director External Affairs - Florida, SCORE.

"Small businesses are the main engine driving the economy, and while the past year has been difficult from an economic perspective, the passion and creativity that drive small business owners to success is as strong as ever," said Doug Meyer, Chief Customer Officer, Sage North America. "The gifted entrepreneurs who participated in our startup cash contest -- and millions of others like them across North America -- are the reason that Sage employees come to work each day, supporting small businesses' dreams, vision, and goals."

An artisan distillery producing the finest in organic and kosher distilled spirits, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company opened this year and is the first family-owned microdistillery in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition. The company produces high quality organic spirits and liqueurs: Rye spirits and whisky from organic sources, brandy from Virginia wines, and seasonal specialty liqueurs.

As a runner-up in the MyBizCounts.com contest, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company receives software and services with a retail value of nearly $4,000 to assist them in managing their businesses: Peachtree by Sage Premium Accounting 2010 Multi-user Version with one year of Peachtree Freedom Support; ACT! by Sage 2010 with 5 user licenses; Timeslips by Sage 2010 5-user version; Palo Alto Software's Business Plan Pro Standard Edition Version 11; and Palo Alto Software's Marketing Plan Pro.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company

Founded by Becky and Scott Harris in 2009, Catoctin Creek is the first family-owned microdistillery in Northern Virginia, located in the heart of DC's Wine Country. The company prides itself on sourcing locally whenever possible, using organic grain and fruits, free from pesticides and chemical additives, resulting in a superior product. In addition to producing organically, the company's spirits are certified kosher as well. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.catoctincreek.com.

About Sage North America

Sage North America is part of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of business management software and services. Sage North America employs more than 4,100 people and supports nearly 2.9 million small and medium-size business customers. The Sage Group plc, formed in 1981, was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs 14,500 people and supports 5.8 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.sagenorthamerica.com.

©2009 Sage Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Sage, the Sage logos, Peachtree, Timeslips, ACT! and the Sage product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sage Software, Inc. or its affiliated entities. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact Information: Contacts: Aimee Ertley 770-724-4556 Aimee.ertley@sage.com Kara McClain 404-995-4531 Kara.mcclain@porternovelli.com