Finalists named for Small Business Awards

Nine local businesses will compete for 2015 Small Business Awards, sponsored by the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce.

The finalists in two divisions were announced Wednesday afternoon at a Chamber event at Metro Appliance and More. The event, called Metro Mingle, showcased the 20 businesses that were both nominated and completed the application process for the annual award, which is now in its 11th year.

The Wichita Eagle is among the sponsors of the program, whose aim is to highlight the importance of small business to the area’s economy and quality of life.

The contest includes two divisions – Tier I for businesses with 25 or fewer employees and Tier II for businesses with 26 to 100 employees.

Among those welcoming those attending the event Wednesday were representatives from the 2014 contest: Ronnie Leonard of Balco, Inc., and Tricia Wilson of Icon Structures.

The 2015 finalists from Tier I are:

▪ Advanced Mobile Care

▪ After Hours Car Repair

▪ Cornerstone Design and Development Inc.

▪ Crave Beauty Academy

▪ McClelland Sound Inc.

Tier II finalists are:

▪ Building Controls and Services Inc.

▪ Chance Rides Manufacturing Inc.

▪ Legacy Bank

▪ Zernco Inc.

In recognizing the 94 nominees and the 20 businesses that completed the application process, Chamber CEO Gary Plummer noted that more than 80 percent of the organization’s members fall into the “small business” category.

“Our focus at the Chamber in 2015 is on jobs and winning the jobs war,” he told the crowd. “Small businesses are at the heart of job growth, here and across the nation.”

A winner from each tier will be named at a luncheon event May 13.

This story was originally published March 4, 2015 at 6:29 PM with the headline "Finalists named for Small Business Awards."