The U.S. Chamber is proud to announce the 2012 regional finalists for the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. These seven finalists represent the best in American business. Learn more about our 7 finalists.
“These small businesses are each a shining example of the power of free enterprise and the opportunities it can create for America’s doers and dreamers,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber.
“Small businesses are often described as the pulse or backbone of our country, and we admire the drive and initiative that it takes for their owners to be successful,” said Rosalind Brewer, president and CEO of Sam's Club.
View the full press release.
| Eastern: BoConcept New York | Great Lakes: CETRA Language Solutions |
| Midwest: Heritage Homes | Northwest: Lakeland Feed and Supply |
| Southeast: Virginia Eye Consultants | Southwest & South Central: Renfro Foods |
| Western: Ski Butlers |
Voting for the Community Excellence Award has closed. Join us at America's Small Business Summit to see who won!
2012 Blue Ribbon Winners
The U.S. Chamber is honored to announce the 2012 Blue Ribbon Award Winners! These 75 small businesses were selected for their innovative business practices and strong contributions to their communities. The Chamber also applauds these 25 Free Enterprise Honorees. Check out the Awards blog from FreeEnterprise.com. View the press release.
25 Businesses Named Free Enterprise Honorees
| Atlas Research Washington, DC |
Connected Logistics Huntsville, AL |
| Consumers Choice Coffee Louisville, KY |
Engineering & Computer Simulations Orlando, FL |
| FigDesign Irving, TX |
Fireman's Contractors Fort Worth, TX |
| Gloria's Cafe Los Angeles, CA |
Indus Instruments Webster, TX |
| Intelligent Office Palm Beach Gardens, FL |
Kerri Miene State Farm Insurance Irving, TX |
| L&M Office Furniture, Inc. Tulsa, OK |
Leduc Blueberries, LLC Paw Paw, MI |
| Locum Leaders Alpharetta, GA |
Majesty Title Services, LLC Tampa, FL |
| Seaworthy Marine Supply Fulton, TX |
Silicon Solar Solutions Fayetteville, AR |
| Smartware Group Inc. Center Harbor, NH |
Stanley Jones and Associates Rochester, MN |
| SteriTec Products Inc. Englewood, CO |
STL Business & Technology Solutions Bloomington, IL |
| Studio Four Design Knoxville, TN |
Swingle Lawn, Tree & Landscape Care Denver, CO |
| The Tomato Head Knoxville, TN |
Ultimate Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning St. Paul, MN |
| Wright's Markets Inc. Opelika, AL |
All award winners will be honored during the Summit on May 22 in Washington, D.C. Blue Ribbon Award® winners will receive one complimentary registration to attend the Summit, courtesy of Sam's Club. The overall winner will be announced at the Summit and will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce!
Applications were judged on the following criteria:
- Staff training and motivation
- Community involvement
- Customer service
- Business strategies and goals
- Financial performance and business history
Check out the New Year's edition of the ChamerPost blog about the Awards program.
About the Award
The Awards program is designed to honor our nation's job creators and recognize their significant contributions as drivers of economic growth. The winner of the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Award criteria, eligibility requirements, and the timeline can be found here. See all levels of recognition.
Learn more about our 2011 Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2011 DREAM BIG Small Business Award Winner, Red Frog Events! View the 2011 Award Winners and Free Enterprise Honorees.
About the Community Excellence Award
The Community Excellence Award is designed to highlight a business that has found success in the eyes of its community. All Blue Ribbon Award winners were eligible for this award that celebrates a small business' commitment to their community.
The Community Excellence Award winner will be presented with the award by U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue, during America's Small Business Summit. The winner will also receive a free two-night hotel stay at the Omni Shoreham Hotel during the Summit.
