The Lone Star College Small Business Development Center Advisory Council has named 18 finalists for its 28th Annual Small Business of the Year awards.

BBVA Compass, a leading U.S. banking franchise who has been recognized as one of the nation's leading Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders, is the title sponsor of this event for the second year in a row. 

Members of the LSCS SBDC Advisory Council select and recognize successful small businesses that make an impact in the local community and on the economy each year.

  

Nominees were gathered from the community, business leaders and civic organizations. Three finalists were selected from each of the six Lone Star College service areas, on the basis of leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, business growth and contribution to the community.  

 

All 18 finalists will be recognized at a luncheon Oct. 23. The winners will be announced at the 2014 28th Annual Small Business of the Year awards banquet Nov. 20. Both events will be held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.

  

“It really is a pleasure to recognize these owners for their contribution to the local economy,” said Sal Mira, director of the LSC SBDC. “Small businesses are truly the backbone of the American economy. Small firms consistently account for a majority of all new jobs created so you can see how important they are.”

“BBVA Compass is a strong supporter of small businesses and the role they play in communities across the country,” said Amos McDonald, North Houston district retail executive for BBVA Compass.  “These entrepreneurs are making positive waves in our communities and we look forward to recognizing their efforts later this year.”

The 2014 28th Annual Small Business of the Year finalists are:

• From LSC-CyFair – Langham Creek Ace Hardware, Chuck and Arlene O’Malley; Night Light Pediatric Urgent Care, Dr. Anastasia Gentles, Zawadi Bryant and Consuelo Cazares; AAA Plumbers, Cesar Lima and Steve Park.
• From LSC-Kingwood – Minuteman Press, Connie and Darryal Chandler; Red Door Realty & Associates, Jill Henderson and Christi Harvey; RE/MAX Rewards, Judith Hayes-Christoph.
• From LSC-Montgomery – Mr. Rooter of Montgomery County, Roger Goertz; Karlins Ramey & Tompkins, LLC, Mike Karlinsand Jay Tompkins; Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Jesson Gil.
• From LSC-North Harris – NEUTEX Advanced Energy Group, Inc., John C. Higgins; Orion Smith, Inc./Orion Star Realty, Philippe  and Demethra Orion; AEI Engineering, LLC, Nancy Blackwell, Michael Kurzy and John T. Matkin.
• From LSC-Tomball – Family Farm Health Food Store, Cathy Kilgore and Kathy Norris; FINS/Fun IN Swimming, Inc., Bill and Kathy Goudeket; Klein Wealth Management, Lori Klein.
• From LSC-University Park – Register Real Estate Advisors, Shannon and Matt Register; Shredding on the Go, James Parker; Virtual Intelligence Providers LLC, Sonia Clayton.

For tickets or more information about the banquet, call the SBDC at 832.813.6674.

 

The LSC SBDC works with entrepreneurs and existing companies to help them evolve to the next level of business 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. Click here to learn more about LSC-SBDC.

Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for more than 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion.  Today, with almost 83,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 95,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and one of the fastest-growing community college systems in the nation.  Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., 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, seven centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online.

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