Chamber names Small Business of the Year finalists

The award will be given at noon May 7 at a chamber luncheon at Wellington Place, 325 Park Central East, during Small Business Week.

The 2008 finalists are:

• All Pet Supplies & Equine Center, which sells pet supplies and high-end gifts. The 18-year-old company has about a dozen full-time employees; Larry G. Wilcox is president.

• Jack Ball and Associates Architects, which specializes in architecture and planning, including historic rehabilitation and urban planning. Started in 1974, the company has nine employees and is led by President and CEO J. Christopher Ball.

• Pearson-Kelly Office Products, which offers document solutions. The six-year-old business has nine employees; Mike Kelly and Bryon Pearson are co-owners.

• Pellham Phillips Architects & Engineers, which specializes in architecture, engineering, planning and interior design. The firm, established in 1977, has 23 employees, including President and CEO Larry Phillips.

• Professional Massage Therapy Training, which teaches massage therapy and body work. The 15-year-old company has 15 employees, and Juliet Mee is president.

The award, given since 1992, is presented by the chamber’s Small Business Council and determined by an independent panel of judges.

Last year’s Small Business of the Year winner was Family Pharmacy’s Plainview Road location. Past honorees are Amberg Entertainment, Candy House Gourmet Chocolates, Millwood Golf & Racquet Club, PFI Western Store, Environmental Works, Carnahan-White, Aire-Master of America, ServiceWorld Computer Center, Butler, Rosenbury & Partners, Springfield Business Journal, Opfer Communications, Mears Floral Products, Watts Heatway, Big Cabin Wholesale Gifts and Terminal Consolidation Co.