Media Contact: Rebecca Sell, Marketing and Communications Manager
rsell@catalystlearning.com
(Louisville, KY) 9-13-11. The 2011 Celebration of Small Business Luncheon, held Aug 31 at the Galt House, highlighted the ‘Big Impact of Small Business’ in Greater Louisville. Annually, the event recognizes the best and brightest small businesses.
This year’s field boasted over 1,600 nominees and a record number of 116 candidates. A panel of 40 judges reviewed the 8 respective categories. We are proud to be amongst the winners of this prestigious award. Below is a full list of the categories and recipients:
Greening/Sustainability Award was given to the company with the best green practices and energy efficiency. The winner is Koetter & Smith, a green-focused company that recycles wood by-products and converts them into a variety of goods. A full 100% of the materials they use are recycled from other operations, with the company recycling over one million pounds of materials daily.
Inclusion Award honors businesses that champion diversity internally and in their community and business practices. The winner was Automatic Air Corp, an HVAC company that promotes the shadowing, training, and job preparation of minority students in the HVAC industry. They have partnered with Project One, KCTCS and JCPS to promote the importance of bringing young, minority men and women into the building trades.
Innovation/Technology Utilization Award was bestowed upon the company that best utilizes technology to advance everyday productivity and revenue. The winner is Catalyst Learning Company, a leader in healthcare workforce development and provider of technology-based career and education solutions. Their programs include access to education through DVDs, online licenses, workbooks and online career counseling.
International/Global Award was presented to the business with the most significant international commerce and best global interaction plan. The winner is CandyRific, an international novelty candy company that works with most major distributors in the U.S. and over 50 countries worldwide. International production and sales account for a large amount of CandyRific’s success.
Phoenix Award was given to a company that has endured a uniquely challenging circumstance and emerged stronger and poised for growth. The winner is American Cold Storage, a third- party logistics company providing refrigerated storage for food products. In 2009, they experienced a challenging incident, but pushed through and responded appropriately to the issues that needed to be handled. The company now has improved communication and relationships with their staff and customers.
Non Profit Impact Award was new this year and open to all Greater Louisville area 501(c)(3) organizations, at least 3 years of age, with local governance. The winner is Wayside Christian Mission, a non-profit organization that provides food and shelter to the homeless in the Louisville area. Along with the 2,000 meals served daily, they also offer clothing, counseling, and life-changing programs to help homeless men, women and families become self-sufficient.
Very Small Business of the Year was awarded to companies with 1-9 employees that exemplify both business and civic leadership. The winner is Mediaura, an interactive software and digital media company that has developed custom applications and websites for many top Louisville companies. Their software has helped revolutionize advertising and marketing for companies of all sizes.
Small Business of the Year was open to businesses with 10-100 employees that also exemplify both business and civic leadership. The winner is TEG Architects, a planning, architectural and interior design firm specializing in complex buildings and healthcare. Through a collaborative creative process, they deliver exceptional creative and quality design services.
Nationwide, there are over 29.6 million small businesses that have generated over 64% of private sector jobs in the past 15 years and account for around half of the gross domestic product. Small businesses spend the majority of time focusing on bottom lines, but the Celebration of Small Business Luncheon spends a day focusing on them.
Congratulations to all of our fellow small business nominees and finalists and we are thrilled to accept this 2011 Inc.credible Award.