How winners are selected

How winners are selected

The 2015 Manatee Small Business of the Year awards recognize small businesses for "quality and excellence" as exemplified by growth, productivity, customer service, job creation and overall contribution to the community. Presenting Sponsors of the Awards for 2015 were the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Bradenton Herald and BB&T; Supporting Sponsors include Environmental Biotech International and Grapevine Communications; Award Sponsors included Gator Air Conditioning & Plumbing and Johnson PhotoImaging.

This year there were 98 nominations and the winners were chosen from among the 20 finalists. Judges screened applications and conducted personal interviews.

This story was originally published September 19, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "How winners are selected ."