Officials with the Towne Lake master-planned community accepted an award for large business of the year in the Cy-Fair area. Officials with the Towne Lake master-planned community accepted an award for large business of the year in the Cy-Fair area.[/caption]

Local businesses and nonprofits were recognized the evening of Feb. 17 at the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce's annual business of the year award ceremony.

Winners were named in categories for small businesses (less than 10 employees), medium businesses (between 10 and 50 employees) and large businesses (more than 5o employees). A separate award was given out to the nonprofit of the year. The awards in each category were presented by the business owners who won for that category in 2015.

The 2,400-acre master-planned community Towne Lake, developed by Caldwell Companies, was named large business of the year for 2016. The Towne Lake team was recognized for creating a community that provides unique experiences and creates a legacy for future generations while also being a good steward of natural resources.

"The development of Towne Lake represents one of the largest land transformations in northwest Houston," said Cameron Dickey, who presented the award on behalf of Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, 2015's large business of the year. "What began in 2006 as a flat piece of prairie land is now a beautiful lake and a centerpiece of the community.”

Balfour All-American and Turner Duran Architects were named medium and small business of the year, respectively. Balfour, founded in 1991, provides products and services to school districts in the northwest Houston area, including graduation caps and gowns, accessories, diplomas and awards.

“[Balfour] strives to be an example to students for how a company can provide services and products with a friendly, appreciative attitude while maintaining a successful and viable company,” said John Labuda, co-owner of Mathnasium of Cy-Fair, who presented the award. "Balfour’s goal is providing products to local schools and being a good local partner by recognizing the accomplishments and successes of their students, whether academic, athletic or extracurricular."

Turner Duran was recognized for its consistent growth over the years as well as its contributions to the Cy-Fair community through its various projects.

"Turner Duran's vision is to be the standard-setter in the region for design of space and structures, which contributes to the vitality, prosperity and beauty of the community," said Jenn Lindsay, award presenter with Lindsay Lakes.

Cypress Assistance Ministries was named nonprofit of the year. Founded in 1990 as an outreach ministry of a local church, the nonprofit has grown to provide emergency financial assistance, employee counseling and GED and ESL classes while also operating a food pantry and a special delivery program for elderly and disabled community members in need.

Three finalists were named in each category. Finalists were evaluated based on several factors, including growth, contributions in leadership to the community and demonstrations of environmental and social responsibility.

The following businesses and nonprofits were also finalists for the 2016 awards.

Small business of the year
Allstate Insurance: Todd Ray Agency
Animal ER of Northwest Houston
Petra Oil Company

Medium Business of the year
Butler Business Products
The Joint Chiropractic

Large Business of the year
Malone Media Group
Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center

Nonprofit of the year
Copperfield Church
Shots for Holly