Finalists named for chamber awards

LIMA - The finalists for this year's Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce Awards have been announced.

Judges narrowed the field from more than 50 initial nominees to 16 finalists in six categories. Awards Chairman Bill Clinger, marketing director for The Lima News, said the group received a record number of nominations this year.

"We're very pleased this year with the amount of nominees we had in all the categories. The judges worked very hard to narrow it down," Clinger said.

This year's finalists in the Small Business of the Year category are Trisco Systems Inc., Swartz Contracting, and Northwest Enterprises Inc. In Emerging Business of the Year, the finalists are Jewels Health and Beauty Spa, the Diva Depot, and Neighborhood Cleaners.

Culturally Diverse Business of the Year finalists are Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Travelodge, and Fortune Accounting & Business Solutions Inc. In the Non-Profit of the Year category, it's The Equestrian Therapy Program, Allen County Health Partners and Habitat for Humanity. Woman-owned Business of the Year finalists are Johnny A's Grill and Spirits, IDC Engineering Inc., and Ann Ross Catering Inc.

The finalists for the Athena Award are Karel Oxley of Lima City Schools, Sandra Monfort of the WORTH Center, and Rita Thelen of Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District.

The awards will be handed out during the Annual Awards gala May 27 at the University of Northwestern Ohio Event Center.