Introducing our 2015 Small Business of the Year recipients

Cornerstone Design and Development, Inc. and Zernco, Inc. were named the 2015 Small Businesses of the Year at a luncheon earlier today. Award finalists were divided into two tiers based upon number of full-time employees. Cornerstone Design and Development, Inc. represents Tier One (businesses with 1 – 25 full-time employees), and Zernco, Inc. represents Tier Two (businesses with 26-100 full-time employees). Judges evaluated the finalists based on five key areas:  leadership and performance, employee relations, entrepreneurship, diversity and community involvement. Cornerstone Design and Development, Inc. is led by Joy Eakins and specializes in creating custom software to help their customers find creative solutions for data problems. Located at 4601 E. Douglas, they are smallest company to ever receive the award with three full-time employees. Cornerstone Design and Development Team General contracting company Zernco, Inc. specializes in design, new construction, remodeling, supply, and repair and maintenance. Led by Ashley Thill, they are a second-generation family business located at 2400 S. Greenwich Rd. with more than 50 full-time employees.                                           Zernco Team The luncheon was presented by Balco, Inc. and Icon Structures Inc., the 2014 Small Business of the Year recipients. Cindy Carnahan, President of The Carnahan Group., gave the keynote address. Small businesses are responsible for creating 2 of every 3 new jobs in the U.S. and make up more than 85 percent of the Chamber membership. The small business awards program is designed not only to provide small businesses the recognition they deserve but to also give other small businesses a chance to learn from the best.

2015 Small Business Awards Finalists Tier One (1 – 25 full-time employees) Advanced Mobile Healthcare After Hours Auto Repair Cornerstone Design and Development, Inc. Crave Beauty Academy McClelland Sound Inc.

Tier Two (26 – 100 full-time employees) Building Controls and Services, Inc. Chance Rides, Inc. Legacy Bank Zernco, Inc.

  Videos highlighting each of the finalists can be seen on the Chamber’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/WichitaMetroChamber.