Nominations sought for Small Business of the Year

Three finalists will be named, and the year’s honoree will be revealed at the noon Small Business of the Year Award Luncheon May 7 at Wellington Place, above the Gillioz Theater downtown. The annual Small Business Showcase will run throughout the day in the Gillioz’s main entrance, according to chamber Economic Development Coordinator Jen Johnson.

Nominees must be active members of the chamber and employ no more than 50 people. As a new rule this year, individual locations may not apply separately, according to Johnson.

Nominees will be judged on history, business or management philosophy, response to challenges, innovative products or services offered, and community-oriented contributions.

Nominations may be submitted online at www.springfieldchamber.com.

The 2007 Small Business of the Year was Family Pharmacy’s Plainview Road location. Past honorees of the 16-year-old award 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.