Is there a business out there that has made an impression on you? If so, then you may want to nominate it for this year’s Small Business of the Year Awards, made possible by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
In its 29th year, the annual Small Business of the Year Awards gives recognition to those businesses in the community which have proven leadership, positive growth trends and a commitment to the community. Categories to be awarded include: Home-Based and Minority or Women-Owned – both of which require a minimum of three years in business, and One-Five Employees, Six-15 Employees and 16-Plus Employees – all of which require the business having been in operation for the past five years. The only other requirement falls within the Minority or Women-Owned category, with the business having to be owned 51 percent by a woman or minority. Fifteen finalists will meet with judges for interviews and once again onsite at the finalists’ business. All finalists will then be invited to the Small Business Gala on Thursday, October 22, with details yet to be revealed.
Sponsored by Bank of Tampa – Brandon Division and the Osprey Observer and ACH Payroll, the event is said to provide “great exposure as a finalist. It created a huge boost to our business,” says Small Business of the Year Awards Committee co-chair Mary Owens, co-owner of Black Diamond Associates, LLC which took home last year’s Home-Based category. She adds, “This credential has opened doors that may have taken us longer to navigate.”
Last year’s winners also included: Brandon Montessori School at Riverview for the Women or Minority-Owned category, Huth & Booth – The Portrait Gallery for the One-Five Employees category, i9 Sports Corporation for the Six-15 Employees category and ServiceMaster 24 Hour for the 16-Plus Employees category.
“Just being nominated was such a great privilege. It means that someone you know holds you in high regard,” concludes Owens.
Nominations are being sought until Friday, June 19. Residents are welcome to make an unlimited submission of recommendations by contacting Reid at 689-1221, ext. 8843, or jreid@brandonchamber.com. Nomination forms are also available for completion on the chamber’s Website at www.brandonchamber.com. Business owners are welcome to nominate themselves and membership with the chamber is not required.
