Chamber announces nominees for 2013 Small Business Awards

MADISON – Entrepreneurs, public servants, mom-and-pop companies and financial institutions are among the nominees for the 2013 Small Business Awards, sponsored by the Madison Chamber of Commerce.

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The awards banquet will be held on Oct. 17 at the Jackson Center in Cummings Research Park.

“We have especially recognized gutsy local entrepreneurs who started from scratch to create successful businesses that shape our economy,” Leigh Thigpen said. Thigpen works as the chamber’s events, marketing and communications coordinator.

Nominees for “Small Business of the Year” are KidVenture, Redstone Recognitions, LEAN Frog, Madison Animal Care Hospital, Grogan Jewelers, Langford/Battle Allstate Agency, Halsey Food Service and Signalink.

“Start-Up of the Year” recognizes a business that has been functioning from one to three years. Catisfaction, Blue Pants Brewery and MR21 are vying for this award.

In the category for “Excellence in Leadership & Service,” the individuals in contention for the honor are Byron Headrick with LEAN Frog, Allison Spratley at Blue Pants Brewery and Beth Martin with Progress Bank. These nominees are lead officers in a business that has shown social and economic impact on the region, Thigpen said.

A new award, “Community Servant of the Year,” spotlights an individual who works with a non-profit organization or as a civil servant for at least three years.

The ballot for community servant includes Patricia Weyandt with the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama; Sarah Sledge, branch manager at Madison Public Library; Chief Larry Muncey, Madison Police Department; Lt. Wayne Kamus, Madison Police Department; and Gayle Milam, event and volunteer coordinator with Madison Parks and Recreation Department.

For “Ambassador of the Year,” individuals nominated are Kristen Strickland, BB&T Bank; Richard King, Eagle Collision; Tracy Gallimore, Crye-Lieke Realtors; and Jaclyn Acree, Hogan Family YMCA.

Tickets are $49 for individuals. Corporate tables are $450 for eight people.

For more information, call 256-325-8317, email to leigh@madisonalchamber.com or visit madisonALchamber.com.