Awards banquet shines light on critical role of small businesses
Two weeks ago Manatee County shined a spotlight on the impact small businesses make in our local community. The 38th Annual Small Business of the Year Awards, hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and the Bradenton Herald, highlight the critical role these businesses play as employers and community supporters.
This year our community submitted 173 nominations. Each nomination honors a local business or non-profit and is a reason to celebrate. The judging panel had the very difficult task of naming 31 finalists and, ultimately, four winners for the 2017 Awards.
Congratulations to Arts & Eats Restaurant and Gallery; Williams Wealth Management Group, Inc.; Blalock Walters, PA; and PACE Center for Girls for achieving tops honors this year. Almost 350 people helped celebrate the achievements of these organizations at the awards event and we thank the community for its support.
Nationally, the SBA reports that 62 percent of jobs are created by small businesses and Florida has 2.4 million small businesses with 3.2 million employees. Small businesses contribute to the quality of life here in Manatee County which, in turn, adds to the live-work-play experience for residents and visitors alike. These entities are the life-blood of the Manatee Chamber as well as the U.S. and local economy.
Everyone knows a small business owner or non-profit that is doing things “right.” They are focused on customer service, their employees, the growth of their organization, and they “give back” in significant ways.
If you are looking to make connections with more local businesses — “think, buy, be local” is a great start. On Thursday from 4-7 p.m. the Manatee Chamber will host its annual Ship-Shape Showcase at Port Manatee. It will be a fun opportunity to learn about local businesses through more than 50 booths while enjoying delicious samples from local restaurants, DJ music, photo booth, narrated bus tours of the port, and much more. For more information, visit manateechamber.com/shipshape.
Small business is big business in Manatee County. The Manatee Chamber encourages your support of these employers and job creators. The Chamber is here is help you find local businesses and we encourage you to make those connections.
Jacki Dezelski is the president and CEO of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at JackiD@ManateeChamber.com or 941-748- 3411. She was a member of the 1997-98 Leadership Manatee class.
This story was originally published August 20, 2017 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Awards banquet shines light on critical role of small businesses."