The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Columbus district office has announced the recipients of their 2015 Small Business Awards. Business owners in a variety of categories will be recognized at a formal awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 5, 2015.
Scheduled during National Small Business Week (May 4 – May 8), the SBA Awards highlight the impact made by outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“The SBA’s Columbus district office is honored to highlight the impact of the innovative men and women who work every day to drive our nation’s economic growth, and create jobs and opportunities for Ohioans throughout many communities across the state,” says SBA District Director Martin Golden. “We are proud of the vital role the SBA plays in enabling small business owners, and we are excited to be able to recognize those individuals whose inspiration and efforts keep America strong.”
Winners were selected from a pool of over 50 applicants. Selection criteria included demonstrated success through increased sales, well-documented and implemented business methods, and employment growth.
Central Ohio winners include:
Small Business Person of the Year: Thomas F. Harris, CEO – HMB, Westerville, Ohio. HMB offers full-service IT business consulting services to clients across Central Ohio.
Small Business Person of the Year Runner-up: Teresa A. Sherald, President & CEO – Diversity Search Group, Columbus, Ohio. Diversity Search Group offers comprehensive staffing services, with a focus on building a diverse workforce.
Small Business Exporter of the Year: Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc., Westerville, Ohio. Lake Shore is a leading global innovator in control and measurement solutions.
SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Jenea R. Harvison, Founder & CEO – Success Kidz Corporate & Training Center, Columbus, Ohio. Providing a nurturing, educational environment for children ages six weeks to 12 years, Success Kidz offers round-the-clock childcare and enrichment programs.
Home-Based Business Champion of the Year: Jovanna R. Robinson, Owner – Tohni Bekka, Blacklick, Ohio. As a home-based businesss, Robinson hand crafts stylish, luxury bags and clutches.
Women in Business Champion of the Year: Jeanette Armbrust, Founder & CEO – Skyline Exhibits of Central Ohio, LLC, Columbus, Ohio. Helping a business stand out at trade shows or other events, Skyline Exhibits builds portable displays and modular exhibits.
Minority Small Business Champion of the Year: Micheal L. Cudgel, Founder & CEO – HAZ Technologies, LLC, Columbus, Ohio. Catering to small and mid-size businesses, HAZ technologies provides IT and graphic design services.
Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year: William E. Staber, President – Staber Industries, Inc., Groveport, Ohio. Family owned and operated for nearly 40 years, Straber manufacturers a variety of uniquely designed laundry equipment.
