Do you know a successful, small businessperson whom deserves recognition? Now is the time to nominate such a business leader.
The 2018 Mel Bedwell Award luncheon sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners, slated for Wednesday, May 16, at the Museum Center at 5ive Points, will recognize the 25th Small Businessperson of the year recipient.
The annual awards luncheon will also kick off a month-long focus on the contributions of small business to the economic well-being of Cleveland/Bradley County. The Small Business Committee of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce presents this annual recognition event. Highlighting the luncheon is recognition of an outstanding small business person in the community, recognized for his/her success in six areas: staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales, innovativeness of product or service offered, response to adversity, and evidence of contributions to the community.
The Chamber’s board of directors renamed the Small Business Person of the Year Award 20 years ago to honor the memory of Mel Bedwell, who was known for his energy, determination, ingenuity, honesty, enthusiasm and loyalty—all traits necessary for a successful small business owner. Mr. Bedwell was an owner with Jack Smith of Cleveland Business Machines. Nomination forms for this award are available on the Downloadable Forms page of the Chamber’s website at www.clevelandchamber.com. All nominations are due by March 30.
Additionally, Chamber members have an opportunity to display products and services at the Business Showcase portion of the event, for a nominal fee, to a gathering of more than 100 businesspeople and foster relationships that may lead to new business. To reserve a booth space, to participate in the Business Showcase call Bernadette Douglas, executive vice president, at the Chamber office at 472-6587.