ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - The Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce announces the finalists for its 22nd Awards Gala.
The conference room was packed as sponsors for the seven awards revealed the top three finalists. The chamber says it is important to recognize those in the business community who have gone above and beyond to keep small businesses alive in the Lima-Allen County region.
"Small business is the backbone to our community right here in Lima and Allen County. We want to make sure that they're rewarded for their efforts and encouraged along the way so that they can keep doing what they're doing and making Lima Allen County really great," commented Julie Klingler, director of programs at the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce.
Up for Small Business of the Year are Beauty by Jill, NOW Marketing, and Service Master "At YOUR Service," sponsored by Citizens National Bank.Â
The Woman-Owned Business Award finalists are Duffy's Cleaners, Schrader Realty, and Sign Pro Imaging, sponsored by Huntington National Bank.Â
Emerging Business of the Year sees A & P's Beauty Select, Red Fox Boutique, and Steady Does It as the top three, with State Bank as the sponsor.
The three finalists for the non-profit of the year are Crime Victim Services, Family Promise, and Heartbeat of Lima, which are sponsored by Cenovus Lima Refinery.
The Athena Award has Jill Ackerman, Jill Bakies, and Theresa Schnipke as the three finalists and is sponsored by Lima Chevrolet Cadillac.Â
The Young Leader of the Year being sponsored by Mercy Health has Jill Bakies, Megan Joseph, and Breanna Theis as the top three finalists.
And new this year is the Above and Beyond Award sponsored by Tomorrow's Technology Today with Good Food Restaurants, Mental Health and Recovery Services, and State Bank as finalists.
The winners will be announced at the chamber's gala event on Wednesday, May 1st, at the UNOH Event Center. Tickets are available through the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce.Â
