President and CEO of Master Marine in Bayou La Batre, Alabama

The National Federation of Independent Business, Alabama's leading small-business advocacy group, has named Brett Dungan its 2006 Small-Business Champion in Alabama.

Dungan, who started at Master Marine in 1978 in the stockroom, has never forgotten his roots. Dungan's self-sacrifice and volunteering in the wake of Hurricane Katrina contributed greatly to revitalization in his community. He is an integral part of the Bayou La Batre community, serving as a director of the Bayou La Batre Chamber of Commerce. Previously, he was president and vice president of that organization.

Dungan is also chairman of the Eat Alabama Wild Shrimp Committee and chairman of the American Family Coalition of Alabama. He is past chairman of the Bayou La Batre Port Authority, a member of National Association of Manufacturer's President Council and a member of the University of Mobile's President's Advisory Council. Dungan has worked as a consultant with Junior Achievement and spearheaded several other grassroots activities in his community.