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2008 Award Recipient
The president of a local information technology support company
was selected as the 2008 recipient of the Chamber’s Small Business Person of
the Year Award. Tom Hastings, who founded Computer Site Columbus (CSC) in 1992, and
joined the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce in 2001, was honored
at a Chamber luncheon program on Thursday, May 22, at the Worthington
Inn. Hastings is the 22nd person to receive the annual honor since the
Chamber created the award in 1987 to demonstrate support for small
businesses and recognize successful members who are growing and
bettering the Worthington community. A graduate of The University of Cincinnati with a B.S. in communications
and a minor in business, Hastings moved to Columbus in 1992 to open a
satellite office for a Cleveland-based IT support firm. In 1995 he took
ownership of that business and renamed it Computer Site Columbus, or
CSC. Notable clients include Worthington, Upper Arlington and Bexley School
districts, the Ohio Department of Administrative Services and Department
of Development, Chemical Abstracts Service, Abercrombie & Fitch, DSW —
and the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce. He personally serves on the technology committee for LifeCare Alliance
and is a driver for the agency’s Meals-on-Wheels program. He is on the
membership committee for TechColumbus and serves the Columbus Chamber of
Commerce on the board of directors and as chair of the Small Business
Council. “Hiring smart” to keep the business growing is one strategy Hastings
espouses for small business success. He shared reflections on
successful small business operations during his presentation at the May
22 awards luncheon. Sponsored by King Business Interiors, the luncheon celebrated the accomplishments of small businesses everywhere, in
addition to lauding Hastings. The annual luncheon is held in May to
coincide with the traditional observance of Small Business Month, a
national focus of the Small Business Administration. Small business persons from the Chamber are nominated for this award
each year by fellow Chamber members, employees, customers, past honorees
and others who are aware of their exemplary business practices. (For a
list of criteria for future nominations, see BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHP -
RECOGNITION on the Chamber’s Web site, www.worthingtonchamber.org.) Judges for the award were the Small Business of the Year Award Program
honorees from 1987-2007. Among the factors judges consider are the
nominees’ solutions to business problems; reputation for personal
integrity and fair business practices; financial strength and
profitability; creativity, innovation/improvement or quality customer
service; and community involvement. Past honorees include: Dwight Moody (1987), Moody’s Paper Store; Steve
Potter (1988), Potter Builders, Inc.; Tom Hull, D.D.S. (1989), Dental
Practice; Joe Mezera (1990), The Mezera Co.; Bob Vosler (1991), Vosler
Co., CPAs; Raean Foust (1992), American Traditions; Richard Hunter
(1993), Potter Lumber & Supply Co.; George Norris, D.V.M. (1994), Animal
Hospital of Worthington; Phil Giessler (1995), Cam Taylor Co. Ltd.
Realtors; Charles Claibourne, D.D.S. (1996), Dental Practice; Steve
Schnulo, O.D. (1997), Albright & Schnulo; Matt Anderson (1998),
Anderson’s FrameDesign; Kathryn Paugh (1999), KRP Communications; Gloria
Yonadi (2000), Kerbler’s Restaurant; Nicki Budin (2001), Curio Cabinet &
Christmas Village; William Dawson (2002), NexTech Materials Ltd.; Darla
King (2003), King Business Interiors; Charlotte VanSteyn (2004), RE/MAX
Premier Choice; Bryan Myers (2005), B&C Blacktop Sealing; Mike Beck
(2006), Think Painting; and Bill Alsnauer (2007), State Farm Insurance.
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