HOUSTON (Nov. 20, 2012) — The Lone Star College System Small Business Development Center Advisory Council has named its six 2012 Small Business of the Year Award winners.
The winners, one representing each of the six Lone Star Colleges, were honored Thursday, Nov. 15, at the SBDC Advisory Council’s 26th Annual Small Business of the Year Awards Banquet held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.
The 2012 26th Annual Small Business of the Year award was bestowed to: Texas Emergency Care Center, Dr. Michael Cantu, Dr. Anthony Fasanella, Dr. Steve Matti, Dr. George Simons and Rhonda Sandel, representing the LSC-CyFair area; Kennedy Fabricating, Inc., Jeremy Want, Kevin Kennedy, Odie Kennedy, LSC-Kingwood area; Martin & Stilwell, LLP, Michael D. Martin, James H. Stilwell, LSC-Montgomery; Bentley, Bratcher & Associates, PC, Gregory Bratcher, David Hardy, LSC-North Harris; Northrock Technical Services, Summer Perkins, Mike Perkins, LSC-Tomball; and Westpark Communications, Kathie Edwards, LSC-University Park.
Each year, the LSCS SBDC Advisory Council recognizes successful small businesses that make an impact in the local community. More than 200 nominees were gathered from the community and narrowed down to the 18 finalists. The finalists were selected by the 24 members of the advisory council on the basis of leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, business growth and contribution to the community.
The six winners were named from this prestigious list of 18 finalists.
Dr. Richard Carpenter, LSCS chancellor, welcomed guests and the business owners as part of the event, which included more than 300 in attendance.
“For 26 years it has been our tradition to pause and recognize outstanding local businesses,” said Dr. Carpenter. “These small businesses are the lifeblood of our community.”
As a highlight of the banquet, the audience was treated to short, personal videos of each of the finalists.
“These business owners are all winners in our book and we know they are critical to the economic vitality of this service area,” said Sal Mira, executive director of the SBDC.
The LSCS SBDC works with existing companies to help them get started, grow and compete in today's global economy. SBDC services are available for companies in every phase of the business life cycle, helping entrepreneurs make sound decisions and succeed. For more information about the SBDC visit sbdc.LoneStar.edu
With 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest-growing community college system in the nation. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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