Panel chooses finalists for chamber's Strube award

An independent panel of judges has chosen five finalists for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's 2001 W. Curtis Strube Small Business of the Year Award.

Sonja Chasteen, business assistance manager for the Springfield area Chamber of Commerce, the finalists, in alphabetical order, are Associated Video Producers, Carnahan-White Inc., Environmental Works Inc., Neale & Newman LLP and Signature Bank.

Chasteen said in order to be eligible for the award, businesses had to be Chamber members and have fewer than 50 full-time or full-time equivalent employees. Business are judged on company history, business or management philosophy, response to challenges, innovative products or services offered, community-oriented contributions and additional information, she added.

The award will be presented at an awards luncheon May 9 at the University Plaza Hotel. The event is part of the local "Small Business Week" festivities. The week is observed nationwide, Chasteen said.

"Small business is so vital, not only to our community and our state, but every community across the country, and so we participate in small business week and offer the W. Curtis Strube Small Business of the Year Award just because small businesses do make up the bulk and the foundation of our business community," she said.

Tickets to the awards luncheon are $20 each, and can be reserved by calling the chamber at 862-5567.