Branson chamber names Small Business of the Year

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau this week named ITEC Attractions Inc. the city's 2013 Small Business of the Year.

ITEC Attractions operates several ventures in Branson, including an IMAX theater, two Montana Mike's restaurants and Florentina's Ristorante Italiano. Opening nearly 20 years ago with two dozen employees, the company now employs more than 300 and pulls in annual revenue of roughly $16.5 million, according to a news release.

Other small-business finalists were Branson Dialysis, Danna's Bar B Que And Burger Shop, Patient Pal and the Six Show.

Nabbing the 2013 Charity of the Year honor was Jesus Was Homeless, a nonprofit founded in 2009 that works to benefit the area's homeless with food and other programs. Finalists for the award included Branson-Hollister Lions Club, Gift of Hope Inc. and The Larry Simmering Recovery Center, the release said.

Finalists were honored during an Aug. 6 dinner event hosted at Big Cedar Lodge.