The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce announced today the winners of its 2015 Small Business of the Year Awards, which recognize small businesses for their outstanding workplace culture, employee relations and community contributions. The winner for the small category (0-10 employees) is Community Auto; winner for the medium category (11-50 employees) is Total Facility Care; winner for the large category (51-200 employees) is Greystone Technology Group and winner for the new category, New Kid on the Block (business in operation for less than three years) is Horse and Dragon Brewery. Winners were honored at the Celebrating Small Business Awards & Breakfast event on May 20, 2015 at the Hilton Fort Collins.
“These awards allow us to recognize the small businesses in our area that help our community thrive,” said David May, President of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce.
Winner in the small category, Community Auto, an auto repair and maintenance shop, puts a great deal of emphasis on care, not just auto repair in their service. The family owned company prides itself on being a good role model in an industry that has been tainted by consumer mistrust. In treating people well, Community Auto has been successful in making positive strides within the community. Supporting other local business owners when they can, buying local, cross-referring, and providing support where possible, has contributed to their positive reputation and significant impact on the community.
Total Facility Care, the winner of the medium category, was launched in January of 2010 when Pete Gazlay and his wife Linda decided to bring Pete’s national experience servicing Fortune 500 companies to the Colorado market. Total Facility Care is the fastest growing commercial cleaning company in the United States and services over 100 facili­ties from Fort Collins to Metro Denver. Pete and his team have found success by sticking to their core goal of delighting customers, not just meeting expecta­tions
Large category winner, Greystone Technology Group, was founded by Peter Melby. Greystone Technology provides comprehensive IT management, web design, development, mobile app development, and digital marketing services based on the foundation of common business sense rather than longstanding industry definitions and instructions.
The New Kid on the Block winner, Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, was born with the goal to responsibly create craft brewing products and experiences that enhance the balance in the lives of people and in their communities, connecting them with each other. The business was a dream for over 20 years for husband and wife team, Tim and Carol Cochran. But once they started, they were able to open in just a year. Their close-knit staff is devoted to the craft beer industry and is crucial to building personal relationships with their customers.
Finalists for the awards included:
The finalists for the 2015 Small Business of the Year Awards included the following.
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 Cafe -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.
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.