Community involvement and beneficence headlined the Small Business Chamber’s 2014 annual awards, announced Wednesday evening at Billy’s Place at McDonough’s.
Hancock Askew & Co. received the distinction of small business champion of the year, the chamber’s most coveted annual award.
“We’re passionate about small business in Savannah,” said staff accountant Autumn Certo, “especially in the bookkeeping and tax aspects of running a company.”
The business and tax accounting firm, with offices in Savannah and Atlanta, is highly regarded by the Small Business Chamber for its free accounting classes for small business owners, according to SBC marketing officer Jennie Brewster.
Families First Funeral Services & Cremation received the honor of small business of the year, while Veronica’s Closet was named new and emerging business of the year.
“This award is a testament to what we’re doing, both for families and for our civic reform,” said Families First president Kyle Nikola.
Families First continues to raise money for local charities through its Art of Living series, which brings together local musicians, food and business together for a monthly networking event, said Nikola.
Veronica’s Closet, a women’s clothing boutique on East 37th Street, recently celebrated its first anniversary, and caters to women who want unique and high-quality clothing at an affordable price, said owner Jill Evans-Aldhizer.
In May, Evans-Aldhizer participated on the winning team at the Kiss-a-Pig Campaign, Phi Pigma Kappa, which was comprised of Savannah businessmen and woman who raised over $70,000 for the American Diabetes Association.
The SBC also recognized The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center as 2014-2015 community partner.
“Our goal is to improve the lives of Georgia citizens through entrepreneurial development,” said SBDC business consultant Connie Edwards.
During the next year, the small business development center and the SBC will be working together to provide additional resources for Savannah small business owners, with the possibility of co-sponsoring a digital marketing series this summer, said Edwards.
The Small Business Chamber of Savannah is “an organization working for the success of the business community,” according to its website, with networking events, workshops and monthly meetings.