The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce held their 33rd annual Small Business Awards on Tuesday, June 19 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield.The Chamber’s Small Business Awards, presented by Hickory Point Bank, recognizes area small business people for their outstanding achievement in five different business categories. Ed Clark Photography provided photography services for the event. This year’s winners were:

Not-For-Profit Business Director of the Year – Pamela Molitoris of Central Illinois Foodbank, Inc.  Central Illinois Foodbank’s purpose is to work with others to develop creative solutions to alleviate hunger. The Foodbank provides access to nutritious food, including fresh produce, for 21 counties in central and southern Illinois through their work with more than 160 partners.


New & Emerging Business Owner of the Year – Tara Davlin Holcomb of The Farmstand by Willow City Farm. Willow City Farm raises livestock to feed and educate our community. They practice full permaculture and responsible stewardship of their land. Their products are sold at The Farmstand, their retail store, as well as farmers’ markets and donated to various charities.


Small Business Owner of the Year – Shaun Lambert of Lambert Custom Pools.  Lambert Custom Pools started with the desire to help homeowners create the backyard of their dreams. Their mission is to create family traditions and memories. They strive to offer the most innovative products and service techniques when dealing with any project.

 

Lifetime Award – Doug and Mike Sutton of Sutton’s.  Sutton’s believes that growth depends on building relationships in the community. They want their customers to be part of their family, and integrity is the core of who they are. Customers should and do expect complete satisfaction because that’s what Sutton’s expects.

 

Outstanding Civic Involvement – Val and Chris Butler of Butler Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center.  The Butler family of organizations includes Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, McCullough-Delaney & Butler Funeral Home, Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, Lincoln Land Cremation Society and Roselawn Memorial Park. Their mission is to help people mourn the death of their loved one and to celebrate their life with dignity and respect with genuine concern and support for the survivors. Their history and mission also includes community support, civic service and philanthropy in an effort to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.