Finalists announced for 2022 Small Business Award
Five area businesses have been named as finalists for the 2022 Small Business Award. The finalists were determined based on written applications that include essays on company history, management philosophy, responses to challenges, innovation in product and service offerings and contributions to the community. Entries are scored by an independent panel of judges.
Here are this year’s finalists, in alphabetical order:
- Audio Acoustics was founded in 1968 as Springfield’s Muzak franchise. Over the subsequent decades, the company expanded into both audio and video equipment and services for individuals and businesses, and the company has grown its footprint to cover multiple states in the region.
- Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks has provided more than $7 million in direct financial assistance to breast cancer patients and their families since its founding in 2000. The organization has added a free screening mammogram program, a children’s fund, support groups and community education.
- Cabinet Concepts by Design designs, manufactures, delivers, and installs custom cabinets and closets mainly for the residential sector. Since it opened in 2007, it has moved from Nixa to Springfield and now employs more than double its original staff.
- hdesigngroup was founded in 2000 and provides architectural design, brand elevation, master planning and project management services. The company is licensed in 13 states including Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska.
- Hold Fast Brewing has quickly expanded since it opened in 2019. The company provides multiple beers and other drinks and operates a tap room seven days a week, partnering with area food trucks that offer accompanying food options.
The five finalists were officially announced during the Chamber’s Good Morning, Springfield! event on April 7. They’ll be celebrated during the Chamber’s Small Business Award event on May 4 at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, which culminates with the announcement of the 2022 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award recipient. The event will feature a keynote presentation from Curtis Marshall, CEO and co-founder of Tie & Timber Beer Co.; the presenting sponsor of this year’s event is Biz 417.
The Chamber continues to recognize the importance of small businesses to the economy, as well as to the business community. In fact, more than 80 percent of Chamber members are businesses with 50 or fewer employees.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our region’s economic strength and growth,” said Chamber President Matt Morrow. “The stories that these five organizations tell about how they give back are great examples of their commitment to the vitality of our community.”
Visit our online calendar to learn more about the event or to purchase your ticket to attend!