The 2012 Celebration of Small Business Luncheon, presented by Commonwealth Bank & Trust, held Sept. 11 at the Galt House, aimed to Recognize. Celebrate. and Inspire. small businesses in Greater Louisville. Annually, the event recognizes the best and brightest in the field.
This year’s competition drew a record number of over 1,300 nominees and 139 candidates for the Inc.credible Awards, sponsored by Strothman & Company. A panel of 50 judges reviewed the 8 respective categories and Greater Louisville Inc. is proud to announce the following winners:
Very Small Business of the Year, presented by Humana, is awarded to companies with 1-9 employees that exemplify both business and civic leadership.
The winner is Integrity HR, Inc., a certified Female Business Enterprise that provides leading edge human resource consulting services. Integrity HR services are designed to improve productivity, reduce HR costs, provide efficiency, and improve communications and employee morale within both the public and private sector employer.
Watch this video that showcases Integrity HR’s moment in the spotlight at the
2012 Celebration of Small Business Luncheon!
More GLI Inc.Credible Award winners:
Small Business of the Year, presented by Staples, is open to businesses with 10-100 employees that also exemplify both business and civic leadership. The winner is Denzinger Family Dentistry. Established in 2002 with three employees, Dr. Sara Denzinger-Rowe continued her father’s work of providing dental care to Southern Indiana. Denzinger Family Dentistry follows 3 guiding principles: hire and retain the best employees, and provide a premium level of care, at non-premium fees.
Greening/Sustainability Award, presented by Harshaw Trane, is given to the company with the best green practices and energy efficiency. The winner is Louisville Geek, a company providing organizations of all sizes with reliable and cost-effective managed information technology services. It works diligently with clients to recycle old and decommissioned computer equipment and deploy energy-saving computers.
Inclusion Award, presented by Yum! Brands, honors businesses that champion diversity internally and in their community and business practices. The winner is HRS Hotels, a seven hotel group and the area’s only certified Minority Business Enterprise hospitality company. HRS owners and management ensure that diversity is a metric included in the strategic plan—for its employees, suppliers, community outreach, and communications.
Innovation/Technology Utilization Award, presented by US Voice & Data, is bestowed upon the company that best utilizes technology to advance everyday productivity and revenue. The winner is Social Media Explorer, a digital and social media marketing consulting firm, educational products company, and leading online publishing platform. The company has contributed thought-leadership articles to Entrepreneur.com and CNN Online.
International/Global Award, presented by Aspect, is given to the business with the most significant international commerce and best global interaction plan. The winner is Phoenix Process Equipment Co., a company that designs, builds, and services equipment and systems used in production and water treatment– with international sales markets in Australia, South Africa, India, Mexico, Guatemala, Columbia, Canada, and the former Soviet Union, 66.5% of its product sales last year came from outside of the US.
Phoenix Award, presented by Spalding University School of Business, is given to a company that has endured a uniquely challenging circumstance and emerged stronger and poised for growth. The winner is The Huber Décor Family of Companies, a group that prides itself on being a “one stop” interior design/décor firm offering turnkey design and installation. When 7 years of embezzlement losses were discovered the company revised many financial processes to minimize risk and emerge a stronger business/ownership group.
Non Profit Impact Award, presented by Kentucky RX Card, is open to all Greater Louisville area 501(c)(3) organizations, at least 3 years of age, with local governance. The winner is Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Inc. (VIPS), founded in 1985 as the only agency providing early intervention for blind and visually impaired children from birth to age five. Only 15% of VIPS’ $1.5 million budget comes from any government or school system, so they raise $1.3 million each year through grants, foundations, fundraisers, and gifts.
Of the nearly 30,000 private sector businesses that call Louisville home, 97% have less than 100 employees and 72% have between one and nine employees. These small businesses and micro businesses represent the hard work and continuing efforts of Louisville’s diverse population, including successful women and minority-owned companies and their employees. We look to Recognize. Celebrate. and Inspire. them with today’s event. Congratulations to all of our small business nominees, finalists and winners and thank you for making a big impact in Greater Louisville.
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About Greater Louisville, Inc. Greater Louisville Inc. is the metro chamber of commerce, dedicated to connecting and growing businesses. We lead economic development for the region, driving job creation and entrepreneurship. GLI is committed to transforming our community by improving the region’s quality of life, advocating for a pro-business environment and developing a talented workforce. For more information, visit www.GreaterLouisville.com.