The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce hosted the 34th Annual Small Business Awards on June 18 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield. The event, presented by Hickory Point Bank, recognized four outstanding community entrepreneurs in the following categories:
Not-for-Profit – Business Director of the Year recognizes an executive of a not-for-profit organization who has demonstrated the innovative use of organizational skills and management expertise to create or expand the organization’s results to the community. The 2019 recipient is Karen Sanders of Lincoln Land Community College Foundation.
New & Emerging – Business Owner of the Year recognizes a business owner who has demonstrated outstanding performance through innovation, growth, staying power and contributions to the community and has been established for more than one and less than four years. The 2019 recipient is Cari Claussen of Country Lane Memory Care Assisted Living.
Small Business – Owner of the Year recognizes a business owner who has demonstrated outstanding performance through innovation, growth, staying power and contributions to the community and has been established for four or more years with less than 100 employees. The 2019 recipient is Margaret “Boony” Smith Luparell of A Storage Box.
Lifetime Award – Business Owner of the Year recognizes a business owner whose for-profit company has been in business in Sangamon County for a minimum of 25 years and who has made significant contributions to commerce and the community. The 2019 recipient is Shellie Jacobs of Del’s Popcorn Shop.
“Our Small Business Awards recipients and all of the nominees are a perfect example of the good work businesses and organizations are doing in Springfield Sangamon County region,” said Chamber President & CEO, Chris Hembrough. “The Chamber honors all small businesses who work to make our community a better place to live and work. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heart and soul of our community. They bring character, local flavor, personal service – and they create jobs. Congratulations to this year’s Small Business Awards nominees and recipients.”
