Recognition

Small Business Person of the Year Award Program
Initiated in 1987, the Chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year Award Program is one of the ways the organization demonstrates its support for small businesses and recognizes those who are succeeding, have shown growth and are involved in the betterment of the Worthington community.

To be eligible for this award, candidates must be independently owned, have equity position in the company or be a locally owned franchise. They must have operated their business for at least three years and currently be located in
the Chamber’s service area.

Candidates must have 50 or fewer employees and have demonstrated community involvement. Those who are nominated must also show examples of successful solutions to business problems, have a reputation for personal integrity and fair business practices, be financially strong and profitable and demonstrate management or product innovation. Honorees are selected by a committee of past award recipients. The award is
presented in May. Nominations are accepted until March 31.

The 2010 winner is Joe Davis of Worthington Jewelers. Click here to read Joe's profile.

Past Award Recipients
Dwight Moody (1987), Moody’s Paper Store
Steve Potter (1988), Potter Builders, Inc.
Tom Hull, D.D.S. (1989), Dental Practice
Joe Mezera (1990), Mezera Company
Robert Vosler (1991), Vosler Company, CPAs
Raean M. 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, Optometrists
Matt Anderson (1998), Anderson’s FrameDesign
Kathryn R. Paugh (1999), KRP Communications
Gloria Yonadi (2000), Kerbler’s Restaurant
Nicki Budin (2001), Curio Cabinet & Christmas Village (Deceased)
William Dawson (2002), NexTech Materials, Ltd.
Darla King (2003), King Business Interiors
Charlotte Van Steyn (2004), RE/MAX Premier Choice Realtors
Bryan Myers (2005), B&C Blacktop Sealing, Inc.
Mike Beck (2006), Think Painting
Bill Alsnauer (2007), State Farm Insurance & Financial Services/Bill Alsnauer Agency
Tom Hastings (2008), Computer Site Columbus
Bill Owens (2009), Owens Construction

Business of Character Award (Chamber-PCC Partnership)

The Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Partners for Citizenship and Character (PCC) to bestow the “Business of Character Award” for Chamber-member businesses that demonstrate outstanding citizenship and character based on PCC’s “12 Qualities of Citizenship and Character.” They are: tolerance, honesty, diligence, commitment, trustworthiness, moral courage, spirituality, integrity, respect, responsibility, self-discipline and compassion.

The award has been made quarterly since summer 2009. Four judges representing the two organizations select the recipients. Nominations may be made by Chamber-member businesses, or by employees or clients of a Chamber-member business, or PCC members. Self-nomination also is encouraged. The award will not replace or conflict with the Chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year Award (described above).

To nominate a Chamber-member business for the award, e-mail a word-processed document to kathryn@worthingtonchamber.org. All documents for one application must be received together.

Click here to download the nomination form, deadlines and criteria.

Nominee information should include business name, main contact name and title, complete address, phone and fax number and e-mail. Nominator information should include name of nominator, business name and title, complete address, phone and fax number and e-mail.

Describe briefly the work of the nominated organization, including the number of employees and when the business was founded. The nominee must be a current business member of the Chamber. (To verify Chamber membership, click here to search the online business directory on this Web site or phone 888-3040.)

Describe ways in which the nominated business has demonstrated outstanding citizenship and character based on PCC’s 12 qualities. Submit any pertinent documents, testimonials or letters of support relative to the nomination (optional).