The Small Business Development Center with Lone Star College System named the finalists for the 2014 Small Business of the Year Awards on Nov. 12. Six winners—one representing each LSCS campus—will be announced at a Nov. 20 awards banquet at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.
The award, which LSCS has been presenting for 28 years, recognizes small businesses for success in running the business as well as making an impact on the local community and economy, SBDC director Sal Mira said.
"Starting and running a small business takes incredible passion and fortitude," he said. "We are honored to be able to recognize these owners for their efforts in helping our local economy remain strong and vibrant."
A total of 18 finalists were named, with three finalists coming from each of the six campuses. Finalists include:
- LSC–CyFair: Langham Creek Ace Hardware, Night Light Pediatric Urgent Care and AAA Plumbers
- LSC–Kingwood: Minuteman Press of Humble, Red Door Realty & Associates and RE/MAX Rewards (Porter)
- LSC–Montgomery: Mr. Rooter of Montgomery County, Karlins Ramey & Tompkins, LLC and Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (Shenandoah, Spring)
- LSC–North Harris: NEUTEX Advanced Energy Group Inc., Orion Smith Inc./Orion Star Realty (Spring) and AEI Engineering LLC
- LSC–Tomball: Family Farm Health Food Store, FINS/Fun IN Swimming Inc. and Klein Wealth Management
- LSC–University Park: Register Real Estate Advisors, Shredding on the Go and Virtual Intelligence Providers LLC
Last year, the award for the Cy-Fair area was given to Consolidated Mills, which provides food packaging and manufacturing services. Owners Keith and Scott Vrana were recognized for their participation in the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce and support of local nonprofits Cy-Hope and Cy-Fair Education Foundation.
BBVA Compass, one of the leading banking franchises in the U.S. for small business loans, is the title sponsor of the annual banquet.
