With more than 60 years of experience in serving small businesses, MetLife recognizes that small business owners work hard. They take care of their firms, their employees, their families and their communities. That’s why MetLife, one of the nation’s leading providers of employee benefits to small businesses, is recognizing New Jersey small business owner Michael Dennis of Chester Township as its first “MetLife Small Business Champion.”

Dennis is the owner of the Big Green Group, a diversified telecommunications firm in Fairfield that he formed in 2010. He is being recognized not just for building up a successful small business, but for creating strong, loyal relationships with his employees and for being an active citizen in his community. Factors in qualifying Dennis to be selected as the MetLife Small Business Champion included being an existing MetLife client with a demonstrated passion for the New York Giants, a team that plays at MetLife Stadium, as well as a long history of being an engaged community leader. To acknowledge his accomplishments, Dennis was chosen to receive a once-in-a-lifetime experience at MetLife Stadium.

As MetLife Small Business Champion, he was surprised by Giants legends Dhani Jones and Super Bowl champion David Diehl with a “takeover” of his business for the afternoon in which they helped run Big Green Group to give Dennis a rare afternoon off. The players provided Dennis with tickets for that evening’s game and he, his wife, and some of his staff were transported to MetLife Stadium, where they enjoyed special game-day hospitality hosted by Giants great and Super Bowl champion Mathias Kiwanuka, and Dennis was featured on signs and jumbotrons throughout the stadium.

“Selected from MetLife’s thousands of local small businesses customers, Mr. Dennis truly exemplifies the spirit of American entrepreneurs – succeeding in a competitive field, serving as a model employer, and making a difference in his community,” said James Reid, executive vice president, group benefits, MetLife. “His employees, as well as his family members, couldn’t speak highly enough about how hard he works to move his business forward, yet always has time to listen to people’s concerns, and to mentor others. Mr. Dennis is an example that all of us can look up to – and he is a die-hard Giants fan! We salute him as a MetLife Small Business Champion, and wish him and the Big Green Group continued success.”

Dennis previously was a partner and Chief Operating Officer for JNET Communications, and was the majority owner of General Sports Venue, LLC. He earned a degree in government from Dartmouth College, and completed executive programs at three leading business schools. In the Feb. 2000 issue of “Black Enterprise” magazine, he was recognized as one of the “Top 50 African-American leaders in Corporate America.” Dennis served as the chair for INROADS Central New Jersey, a non-profit organization focused on mentoring young minorities interested in working in corporate America, from 2003 to 2005.