Attend the Metro Mingle on March 7 and get to know the following Award applicants. Hear firsthand which are named finalists for Small Business of the Year! 

Tier One Applicants (1-25 FTE)
After Hours Auto Repair, Inc.
Armstong|Shank
B&B Electric Motor Company
Bob Cook Homes, LLC
Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates
Cohlmia Marketing
Concergent
Cross Cultural Assimilation Institute
Dave Neal and Associates Realtors
Digital Brand Communications, Inc.
Eron Law
Handyman Matters of Wichita
Hardman & Howell Benefits
Johnston's Clothiers
Lifeboat Creative
Lift Parts Service, LLC
OneSource Technology, Inc.
Professional Fleet Services
Professional Home Buyers
Profit Builders, Inc.
River City Trolley and Charter
Ruggles & Bohm, PA
Squid Ink Creative
Xenon Academy
Zee Insurance

Tier Two Applicants (26-100 FTE)
Callcap
Central Star Credit Union
Hyspeco
The McGinty Machine Company, Inc.
Mid-America Orthopedics
Midwest Single Source
Professional Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
Riordan Clinic
Zernco

Awards Overview

• The Awards offer recognition to small companies for their success and contributions to the community
• The Awards provide the opportunity to showcase indiviudal companies and the story behind their success
• The Awards promote awareness and visibility of small businesses throughout the Wichita Metro area
   

Business Criteria for Participation

• Headquartered in Wichita Metro area
• Employ between 1-25 FTE for Tier One, or 26-100 FTE for Tier Two
• Have been in business for at least three years
• Demonstrate a commitment to good business practices
• Maintain good employee relations
• Contribute to the community
• Have primary source of revenues from business operations, rather than grants, donors, or governmental funding. Not-for-profits may be eligible to apply if they meet this criteria
• Be a member in good standing of the Wichita Chamber at the time of application

Tier One: Occidental Management

Tier Two: J.R. Custom Metal Products

 See the list of 2011 Award Nominees

 

TIER ONE (1-25 FTE)

Eric Fisher Academy
MoJack Distributors
Occidental Management, Inc.
Shelden Architecture, Inc.
The Bill Guy Technology Solutions, Inc.

TIER TWO (26-100 FTE)

ARSI - Account Recovery Specialists, Inc.
Eric Fisher Salon
J.R. Custom Metal Products, Inc.
Midwest SIngle Source, Inc.
The Hotel at Old Town, Inc.
 

2005 - NCRI - National Catastrophe Restoration Inc

2006 - iSi Environmental Services

2007 - Aerospace Systems and Components, Inc

2008 -  Tier One: Intake Studio
              Tier Two: Ink Commercial Contractors, LLC

2009 -  Tier One: Eberly Farm
              Tier Two: The Print Source, Inc

2010 - Tier One: Professional Software, Inc.
             TIer Two: PWI, Inc.

 2011 - Tier One: Occidental Management
              Tier Two: J.R. Custom Metal Products

Isn't my company too small to win?

No company is too small.  The 2 Tiers were created to allow judges to better assess smaller and micro business for their uniqueness.  Intake Studio was named 2008 Small Business of the Year with only 6 full-time employees.

If I’m not named a finalist I have wasted my time in applying for the award.

Not true!  All applicants for the award receive publicity at the Small Business Showcase and on The Chamber’s web site.  The showcase provides a wonderful opportunity to network and show off your business.  And don't forget how important being nominated can be for your employees.  Use the opportunity to highlight their contributions to your  success.

How will my small company's community service and employee benefits compete with those of the larger companies?

The judges take the size of the business into consideration when assessing these areas.  We have seen many innovative ways of supporting the community or providing employee benefits within a micro business.  Think about what makes your business a community asset and a positive environment to work.  Community support and employee benefits aren't always measured by dollars.

What happens to the financial information that is requested?

The application requires submission of percent of revenue, profitability, and employee growth for a three year period. All applications remain confidential – only the judges have access to the information.  Finalists for the Award will be required to submit an income statement and balance sheet for confidential review by an unbiased accounting firm.  The auditor will review the information and provide the Chamber will a "thumbs up or down" on whether that business is financially secure enough to be in consideration of being a finalist.  The Chamber and Awards judges will not see this information.  After review, the auditor will destroy the information.  A business may ask to have the information returned to them. 

Can I talk with past winners to get their opinions?

Absolutely.  We have a committee of past Award recipients who would be happy to share their experience with you and offer advice. Please contact Angie Elliott at 316-268-1129 for more information.