Chamber presents Small Business Awards
MADISON – New companies, established enterprises and dedicated individuals were recognized at the 2013 Small Business Awards, sponsored by Madison Chamber of Commerce.
(CONTRIBUTED)
The ceremony was held at the Jackson Center in Cummings Research Park on Oct. 17.
Catisfaction Cat Clinic with Dr. Stephanie Gandy was named “Start-Up of the Year.” Opening in 2010 with four employees, Catisfaction has expanded to 11 workers to treat and assist only felines.
“Dr. Gandy and her staff take an active role in the community, providing education with partners like Sci-Quest and the police department,” Leigh Thigpen said. Thigpen works as the chamber’s events, marketing and communications coordinator.
Byron Hedrick, president of LEAN Frog Business Solutions, took home the “Excellence in Leadership & Service Award.” Hedrick’s crew helps public education, city and county governments and businesses develop efficient process solutions, Thigpen said.
LEAN Frog also earned the 2013 “Small Business of the Year” title. The company’s core values include “lead by example, pursue perfection and always exceed expectations.”
“The inaugural winner of the ‘Community Servant Award’ is Sarah Sledge, branch manager of Madison Public Library,” Thigpen said. Sledge started her work as a part-time assistant in the youth services division of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library.
Sledge has collaborated with Huntsville Hospital to start “Health Matters” seminars at the library. She plans to offer tablet technologies and electronic readers to patrons. Currently, Sledge’s routine is busy with the expansion of the Madison branch.
Richard King and Kristen Strickland were honored as “Ambassadors of the Year.” King is associated with Eagle Collision Center. Strickland works as Madison market leader and small business consultant with BB&T Bank.
Event sponsors were Landers McLarty, Iberia Bank, WTKI and WEKI Radio, Progress Bank, Minute Man Press, BB&T Bank and Redstone Federal Credit Union.
Madison Chamber of Commerce’s address is 130 Park Square Lane in the Hogan Family YMCA. For more information, call 256-325-8317, email to susie@madisonalchamber.com or visit madisonalchamber.net.
