Anticipation has built with the announcement of the finalists for the 2015 Small Business of the Year Awards. There are four categories, including one new category this year, New Kid on the Block. The 2015 Small Business of the Years Awards will be presented on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Fort Collins. Winner of the 2014 CSU Blue Ocean Challenge, Kyle Kirkpatrick, Founder and CEO of Decibullz, Loveland-based maker of custom molded headphones, will keynote the special event.
The finalists for the 2015 Small Business of the Year Awards are:
For the small company category (1-10 employees):
Community Auto-Family owned and operated in Fort Collins since 1995, Community Auto puts the emphasis on care, not just auto repair.
Dora Grace Bridal-Retailer of bridal and special occasion dresses and accessories
Eger CPA-Trusted advisors and accountants who combine traditional accounting with innovative thinking
Happy Lucky’s Teahouse-A place where the community can come together to share tea, their lives and stories
For the medium company category (11-50 employees):
Silver Grill Café-The oldest restaurant and community staple in Northern Colorado, serving breakfast and lunch since 1933.
Total Facility Care-Provides commercial cleaning and building maintenance to owners and managers who take pride in their facilities.
Wilbur’s Total Beverage-Offers the largest selection of wine and spirits in Fort Collins. Wilbur’s Total Beverage focuses on an outstanding product line and friendly customer service.
For the large company category (51-200 employees):
Aleph Objects, Inc.-The parent company of LulzBot, Aleph Objects develops and manufactures a line of open desktop 3D printers.
Greystone Technology Group-Provides comprehensive IT management based on the foundation of common business sense rather than longstanding industry definitions and instructions.
The Human Bean-Drive-thru coffee retailer with a love for giving back to the community
For the New Kid on the Block category (business in operation for less than three years):
970 Services-Delivers roofing, restoration and carpet cleaning services with the mission to exceed customer expectations every day.
Horse & Dragon Brewery-Family owned brewery that crafts high quality beers sustainably and serves to build community in the heart of Northern Colorado.
Neurofeedback Clinic of NoCo-The leading provider of infra low frequency neurofeedback therapy in the region.
To receive a Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award, the company must be a member of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce at the time the award is presented. Businesses will be judged on four criteria: community involvement and stewardship, commitment to good business practices, overall business growth and innovation, and workplace culture and employee relations.
The event kicks off a day of celebrating local small businesses and will continue with the annual Business After Hours Tradeshow 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. sponsored and hosted by the Hilton Fort Collins.
Tickets for the awards breakfast are $40 for individual members, $50 for non-members or $375 for a table of 10. Booth space is also available for the After Hours Tradeshow and both can be purchased at fortcollinschamber.com or by calling (970) 482-3746.
The Small Business of the Year Breakfast is presented by the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by First National Bank, Ward Petroleum Corporation, Hunt, Spillman & Associates P.C., Aspen Grove Veterinary Care, Coan Payton & Payne, Jax Mercantile, Alphagraphics, and The Mantooth Marketing Company.
About the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading membership-based organization in northern Colorado, dedicated to helping businesses succeed. Investing in the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce puts members in contact with more than 1,050 business owners and managers in the market. For more than 100 years, the Fort Collins Area Chamber has influenced efforts to maintain and grow the business community in Fort Collins. For more information about the Chamber call (970) 482-3746 or visit www.FortCollinsChamber.com.