2018 Small Business and Nonprofit Awards
Finalists and recipients
By Gypsy Crow
ALBANY — Southern Point Staffing was named the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year, while the Albany Area YMCA was named Nonprofit of the Year Tuesday at the chamber’s Small Business and Nonprofit Awards ceremony at Doublegate Country Club.
“Each year, we are humbled by the sacrifices these small businesses and nonprofits undergo and how, ultimately, they share their triumphs and their challenges with the judges,” Pam Johnson of the chamber’s Small Business Resource and Membership Development Committee said.
Southern Point Staffing’s owners said the award validated the company’s place in the community.
“This is such an honor for us,” Jason Wilson said. “We’re very thankful. It means a lot to us as a company and as a part of the community.”
Albany Area YMCA President/CEO Dan Gillan credited staff and the community for the organization’s recognition.
“I’m not often caught without words,” Gillan said.” This truly is a humbling opportunity to stand here in front of you, many of whom are members of our Albany Area YMCA. You’ve had a part in this through your prayers, not for awards like this, but for our ability to reach out and touch so many people.”
Attendees mingled during the reception on the country club’s patio, where hors d’oeuvres were provided before the awards ceremony took place in the ballroom. Anthony Johnson played guitar and sang for the guests.
Small businesses considered for the award had to meet a set criteria by the U.S Small Business Administration, which uses an internal point system to gauge eligibility. The system “demands consistency in the judging process.”
The process for selecting nonprofit finalists is similar.
Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President Barbara Rivera Holmes presented the awards.
“Small businesses have long been hailed as the backbone of the American free enterprise system,” Holmes said before announcing finalists. “The commercial fortitude of communities is often judged by the ability of its small businesses to thrive.
“These businesses are run by people who are driven in providing exceptional products and services to their clients and who have demonstrated their commitment to creating a stronger community.”
The 2018 Small Business of the Year finalists were 229 Yoga, Albany Surgical, The L.E.G.A.C.Y. Case Management and Southern Point Staffing.
“Nonprofits have played a vital role in society by focusing resources and providing services to the community without regard for profit,” Holmes said before announcing the Nonprofit of the Year finalists. “They provide an avenue for people to dedicate their time, their talents, their treasure, to making a difference.”
The 2018 Nonprofit of the Year finalists were Alzheimer’s Outreach Center, YMCA, Easter Seals Southern Georgia, Flint River Habitat for Humanity, Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful and the Albany The Salvation Army unit.
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