GFI EVENTS
Area Business Recognized at 45th Annual Small Business Awards
Presented by GreaterFindlayInc. and the Findlay Publishing Co.
FINDLAY, Ohio (October 9, 2008)— Small Business is the heart of the American economy. Business owners give individuals – real people with names and faces – a chance to provide for their families, and an environment where people can learn and grow and express their creativity and talents.
Most people will spend half their waking hours at work. To a business leader who takes the risk of owning and building a business, this is both exciting and sobering. It’s exciting because of the great opportunity to do something meaningful in the lives of other people. It’s sobering because of the responsibility it implies, derived from the understanding that oftentimes a single decision may significantly affect the lives of many others.
Those who take this stewardship seriously truly are heroes! For this reason, GreaterFindlayInc. is honored to present the 2008 Small Business Award winners announced at the 45th Annual Small Business Awards luncheon on October 9, 2008 at Winebrenner Theological Seminary.
With over 250 business professionals in attendance, keynote speaker for the event was best-selling author Gary Harpst, founder and owner of Six Disciplines. Radio personality Smokin’ Joe Bacon of WKXA served as emcee and the following awards were presented:
Presentation of Awards
Family Owned Small Business Champion of the Year
Presented to: Riverside Glass Co., Inc.
Sponsored by: Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield
Small Business Exporter of the Year
Presented to: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc./Hancor, Inc.
Sponsored by: The Companies of Tall Timbers Industrial Park
Women in Business Champion of the Year
Presented to: Terrie L. Patterson, ESS Delivery Services Inc.
Sponsored by: WFIN-WKXA Radio
Minority Small Business Champion of the Year
Presented to: Andrea Kramer-Fetterman, City Apparel
Sponsored by: Marathon Petroleum Co. LLC
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Presented to: Michael and Debi Bulkowski, Revolver Restaurant
Sponsored by: First Federal Bank
Small Business Person of the Year
Presented to: Joseph R. Kirk, H & O Services, LLC
Sponsored by: The University of Findlay
Small Business of the Year
Presented to: Northwest Ohio Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Inc.
Sponsored by: Six Disciplines Leadership Center of Northwest Ohio
Agriculture Enterprise Champion of the Year
Presented to: Ag Credit
Sponsored by: Citizens National Bank
Champion of Downtown Award
Presented to: Creative Hair Design
Sponsored by: Fifth Third Bank
Professional of the Year
Presented to: Ridge & Associates, Inc.
Sponsored by: Commercial Savings Bank
Special Presentations
ATHENA Award
Presented to: Beth Linhart, Rowmark
Sponsored by: Huntington Bank
Distinguished Leadership Award
Presented to: Jen Bookwalter, Whirlpool
Sponsored by: Hancock Leadership Alumni Association
“Our Spirit Shows” Award
Presented to: The Findlay Publishing Company
Sponsored by: Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Community Partner Award
Presented to: Coffee Amici
Sponsored by: United Way of Hancock County
For more information, contact GreaterFindlayInc. at 419-422-3313.
