The Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 8 announced its 2013 award finalists in five categories, as nominated by members and the community in a survey begun in October.
Every year an anonymous committee chooses finalists based on surveys filled and returned by residents, said Lyndee Matthews, program director at the Chamber.
"Most of these were nominated by other people, other businesses," she said. "[Committee members] just go through and rank the criteria and the work that they have done."
Nominees must be Chamber members in good standing for at least three years and without an award the previous year. Committee members also seek businesses who have practiced exemplary conduct, shown outstanding customer service and contributed toward community projects, Matthews said. Businesses must have held strong management philosophies, increased sales and contributed to job development and equal opportunity, she said.
Chamber hosts will present the awards at the Chamber's 41st Annual Awards Denim & Diamonds Gala, from 6–9 p.m. Jan. 30 at Reunion Ranch in Georgetown.
"It'll be a lot of fun, and we're always excited to honor the businesses in our area," Matthews said.
Finalists for 2013 are as follows:
- Small Business of the Year: Austin Area Computers, The Mary Dale Law Firm, and X-Treme Tan
- Large Business of the Year: City of Cedar Park, Fallbrook Technologies Inc., and Recruit Veterans
- Nonprofit of the Year: Austin Dog Alliance, Samaritan Health Ministries, and United Way of Williamson County
- Citizen of the Year: Linda Haywood of Austin Community College: Cypress Creek Campus, Rev. Doug James of Hill Country Bible Church, Phil Duprey of Duprey Enterprises
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Dr. Mo Jahadi of ChiroFit Wellness Center, Paul Deere of Tolteq, John Garrett of Community Impact Newspapers
