Local Chamber salutes small businesses

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

As most people know, the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce is all about business. On Friday, though, the focus was on small business exclusively, as the Chamber held its Salute to Small Business event at Willow Bend Country Club.

Small businesses were honored in seven categories, including a couple of new categories created especially for this year’s event.

A total of 55 businesses and organizations were nominated to receive this year’s awards.

First-place winners include the following:

Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award – Shine Premium Auto Detailing. Other nominated include Guaranteed Auto, Cakecrazy, The Embroidery Coop, Window Creations, Messmakerbaker Jams & Jellies and Van Wert Carts & More.

Agricultural Enterprise Award – Advanced Biological Marketing. Others nominated include the Kenn-Feld Group, Lincoln Ridge Farms, Something from the Garden, Bunge, Van Wert Terminal and Mercer Landmark.

Charitable Non-Profit – Van Wert Rotary Club. Others nominated include the Venedocia Lions Club, Wassenberg Art Center, Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Van Wert County Farm Bureau and The Salvation Army.

Service Industry Showcase – Home Health Care Solutions. Others nominated include Van Wert Manor, Vancrest Health Care Center, R&R Employment, Ultra Computer & Networking Solutions, Quality Painting & Roofing, and Fortman’s Crescent Linen Services.

Retail Champion – Once I Was. Others nominated include Sisters Bridal Boutique, Laurie’s Naturescapes, The Bridge, Slusher’s Jewelry, and Hall’s Custom Meats.

Palate Pleaser (new category) – Sycamore Ice Cream. Others nominated include Balyeat’s Coffee Shop, Wild Hare BBQ, Flour Loves Sugar, Firehouse Pizza, and Black Angus Catering & More.

Manufacturing Excellence – Braun Industries. Others nominated include Cool Machines, Kam Manufacturing, National Door & Trim, and Tecumseh Inc.

There were also 10 “winner” in a new category entitled “Rookies”, which showcases small businesses in their first year. Award winners include Van Wert Lumber, Mod Boutique, The BachWell, Brewed Expressions, Van Wert Taxi, Storage Solutions and More, PC+ER, Signs in Time, State Farm/Tish Fast Insurance Agency Inc. and Epic Vapes.