Chamber Small Business Award nominations now open

Nominations for the Greater Shelby County Chamber’s 2014 Small Business of the Year are now being accepted through May 23. The Chamber’s annual Small Business Celebration, sponsored by Regions Bank, will be held during the month of June.  

During its 2013 Small Business Celebration, the Chamber recognized 21 nominated businesses throughout Shelby County in three categories. The 2013 recipients in three categories were:  

• Walker Backflow & Fire Protection Services, LLC (1-10 Employees & Open 1 Year or More)

• Donut Joe’s, Inc. (11-20 Employees & Open 1 Year or More)

• Sav Mor Food Outlet (21+ Employees & Open 1 Year or More)  

This year, the Chamber is hoping to add a fourth category – businesses with fewer than 25 employees and open less than one year. The four categories for potential 2014 nominations, based upon number of employees, are:  

Category I:    1-10 Employees (Open 1 Year or More)

Category II:   11-20 Employees (Open 1 Year or More)

Category III:  21+ Employees (Open 1 Year or More)

Category IV:  Less than 25 employees (Open less than one year)  

“We’re pleased to host the 2014 “Small Business Celebration” during the month of June by recognizing successful companies and spotlighting the vital role which small businesses play in building our Shelby County communities and economy overall. And, make no mistake, these businesses are helping to build Shelby County -- through their investment in our communities and the employment of our citizens.” Chamber President & CEO Kirk Mancer stated in a release.  

“Any Shelby County business fitting the criteria in one of the four categories can be nominated.” Brooke Story, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development & Support stated. “Nominated businesses will be evaluated based on staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales and/or unit volume, response to adversity and evidence of involvement or aiding of community-oriented projects.” Story concluded.  

Nomination forms are available on the Chamber’s website, shelbychamber.org, or by contacting the Chamber at 663-4542.

– Submitted by the Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce