Small Business Person of the Year Award Luncheon - 2013

Join the Chamber on May 23 for our Small Business Person of the Year Award Luncheon, as we honor this year's award recipient, and salute small businesses everywhere for their contributions to our economy and our community. The event is sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and AT&T.
The Chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year award program is one of the ways our organization demonstrates its support for small businesses and recognizes members who are succeeding, have shown growth, and are involved in the betterment of the Worthington community.
The luncheon, held in the ballroom of The Worthington Inn, will begin at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at 1:15 p.m. The honoree will share with luncheon attendees some of the business philosophies and strategies that have led to success as a small business person.
About this year's honoree:
An engineer-turned-wine seller who is dedicated to promoting downtown Worthington and local products has been named the Chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2013. Donnie Austin is the 27th person to be honored with the award, which was initiated in 1987.
Donnie is the owner of House Wine at 644 High St., in the heart of historic downtown Worthington. He founded House Wine six years ago, conceptualizing plans and dreams for the shop while working as an engineer at Honda of America. Despite an economic climate that limits spending on entertainment purchases, Donnie has sustained a growth pattern of 5 percent each year since opening and foresees continuing growth going forward. The nine-employee shop is a customer-focused environment — a casual, friendly atmosphere that makes wine very approachable for the wine novice but suitable for the experienced wine drinker.

Donnie has earned the credential of Certified Sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers. He holds an M.B.A. from The Ohio State University - Max M. Fisher College of Business and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University.
Donnie has been a voice for downtown businesses and small business owners since opening the shop and is serving a three-year term as president of the Olde Worthington Business Association. A supporter of numerous charitable causes, he hosts about 60 fundraisers per year, donating a portion of sales to the cause that hosts an event at House Wine. In 2013, House Wine was essential in creating the Columbus Wine Collective, a group of local, independent wine shops who are partnering to market each other as the ultimate source for wine locally through education and unique offerings.
Donnie is also a regular participant in the Chamber’s Reds, Whites & Desserts fundraiser. He has hosted events for the Young Professionals of Worthington (YPoW) subgroup and the Get Smart Business Book Discussion Group. He and his wife, Megan, are Worthington residents.
Reservations for the luncheon must be received by May 21. To reserve your place, click REGISTER NOW on the screen at right, follow the prompts, then click SUBMIT. You will receive a confirmation e-mail when successfully registered. The menu includes:
House salad
Bourbon-glazed chicken breast
Spring succotash
Buttermilk mashed potatoes
Tobacco onions
Double chocolate cake with toasted pecans and sweet cream

Vegan alternative luncheon (please specify in the "comments" portion of your registration if this option is desired)
Garden plate of roasted potatoes, grilled squash and asparagus, apple-beet salad and sauteed brocollini

Honorees are selected by a committee of past award recipients. Past recipients of the award, and their businesses at the time of the award, are:

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 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 Contracting Co.
Joe Davis (2010), Worthington Jewelers
Anthony Lordo, D.D.S.  (2011), Dental Practice 
Kay Lakhi (2012), The Rite Bite