The Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Small Business Awards Gala on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives — shining the spotlight on the contributions of 10 local businesses to the community.
The gala brought together hundreds of community leaders, entrepreneurs and business professionals to celebrate the droves of thriving small businesses throughout Athens and Limestone County.
“Last night’s Small Business Awards Gala was a true testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our community forward,” Pammie Jimmar, president of the Athens-Limestone Chamber, stated in a release Wednesday morning. “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the winners, whose dedication and innovation set a remarkable standard, and to every contender whose hard work and passion make our local business footprint vibrant.”
With more than 50 contenders from the Chamber’s membership, the evening fostered a competitive yet supportive environment that is beneficial for growing businesses. The 10 category winners included:
— Irons and Ales for “Emerging Business of the Year.”
— Ming Commercial Real Estate Group for “Small Business of the Year” (1-10 employees).
— Martin and Cobey Construction Company, Inc. for “Small Business of the Year” (11-50 employees).
— Trinity’s for “Woman-Owned Business of the Year.”
— Birdie Thornton Center for “Nonprofit of the Year.”
— The Lofton for “Hospitality/Restaurant of the Year.”
— Steelcase for “Manufacturer of the Year.”
— Hospice of Limestone County for “Health-Medical Services of the Year.”
— Trustmark Bank and Bryant Bank for “Financial-Banking Service of the Year.”
The Chamber also added a new category for the 2024 Small Business Awards — the “Diversity Equity and Inclusion Business Alliance Small Business of the Year” — which was awarded to Kings Kids Daycare and Learning Center.
Sherry Jefferson, owner and CEO of Flirty Flame Candle Company LLC., attended the gala on Tuesday after she was nominated for two awards on the night. She spoke highly of the “loyal” Athens community who she credited for encouraging small businesses to flourish within the city’s limits.
“Clearly, the community here in Athens takes their small businesses very seriously,” Jefferson told The News Courier after the event concluded. “I love coming to these to be amongst the other entrepreneurs in the community and to learn more about our local businesses. You never know who you are talking to, it’s just a great networking opportunity.”
According to the release form the Athens-Limestone Chamber, the main goal for the Small Business Gala was to spotlight the ingenuity and achievement of the numerous local businesses in our area, encouraging them to network and support one another.
“What the Chamber did to honor and support all of those small businesses was just awesome,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, who also attended the event, told The News Courier. “I am very actively involved in the Alabama League of Municipalities, and we all agree that small businesses are the backbone of our economies. Although the franchises and big box stores are very important, the heart and soul of any community is the small businesses. They are the ones who invested their personal money to make things happen for their families and the love of their community. So, it’s extremely important that we continue to support them on that as much as we can.”