Small business of the year honorees include Beauty by Jill, left; ServiceMaster, top right; and NOW Marketing, bottom right.
LIMA — Local small businesses are the heart of a city. In a week, one of three local small businesses will be honored for its achievements in the area, when the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual awards gala.
The organization will select a winner for the Small Business of the Year Award. Beauty by Jill Salon, NOW Marketing and Service Master were chosen as finalists in the category.
Citizens National Bank is sponsoring this year’s award.
“To be sponsored for the award, the business must meet the following criteria,” said Chad King, senior vice-president/city president of CNB’s Lima market, at a recent chamber press conference. “The business must be independently owned and operated with a substantial history as an established business, independently owned franchise or a multiple owner business. The organization must also be financially strong, profitable and show a history of growth.”
The businesses chosen for the award were also required to show community involvement and contributions.
Jill Bakies owns and operates Beauty by Jill Salon. The business is a ‘full-service’ spa and provides more than 50 different services for customers. The organization also gives back to the community by gifting free spa days for breast cancer survivors and hosting Boot Camps to bring awareness to sexual assault.
NOW Marketing is a small business that was established in 2010. The business provides coaching services, video production and more. The company gives back to the community by teaching the next generation about marketing and creating an internship program for college students.
Michael Kleman is president of Service Master. The local business focuses on cleaning and restoration projects. The organization was purchased from another owner. It grew from $300,000 annually in sales to a $2 million company. The business gives back to the community through supporting local non-profits including the Salvation Army, Goodwill and Toys for Tots.
The gala will be held from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 at the UNOH Event Center, 1450 N. Cable Road.
For more information reach Julie Klingler at 419-222-6045 or visit www.limachamber.com.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
