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commentIt is a keynote annual event for the chamber.
"It's been one of the Chamber's signature events for quite some time," Chamber President Tony Howard said.
Dulles Golf and Sports Park Center was selected as Loudoun's Small Business of the Year. Carolyn Howell, the owner, said she could hardly believe her business-predominantly founded on the premise of just "hitting golf balls and having fun"-took top honors. This year, Golf Range Magazine chose The Dulles Golf and Sports Center, located on Rt. 28, as one of the top 100 golf ranges in the country.
Other winners included:
Winners shared a lot of inspirational words about how others can make the dream of owning a business transform into reality.
Kathy Renton, owner of Lighthouse Concepts, a marketing firm, recalled the night she arrived home after work and turned to her husband to say she wanted to start her own business.
Believing in her, he said, "'whatever you want to do dear,'" she remembered.
Judy Wilson, owner of Tally Ho Theatre, wanted to establish a niche as a family-owned business in Leesburg. "We've done well," she said. "It's amazing when you step out on faith, what God is able to do."
Thirty-two finalists were selected by 20 business leaders and industry professionals after they examined more than 256 nominations from various businesses and Loudoun County entrepreneurs. Requirements include $4 million or less in annual revenue for businesses that have been operating for at least a year. Businesses are not eligible to win if they have been winner or finalist for the past three years.
"A lot of it had to do with deciding whether the business is successful, unique, with entrepreneurial skill and talent," Howard said. "A lot of it is subjective. We were looking for really good stories. This is really about celebrating all of the wonderful stories that don't get celebrated enough."
In its 13th year, the 2007 Small Business Awards are sponsored by The Loudoun County Economic Development Commission, PNC Bank, Middleburg Bank, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, to name a few.
The Loudoun Chamber represents more than 1,400 businesses in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce 2007 Small Business Awards Finalists included the following.
Agri/Equine Business of the Year: Abernathy & Spencer, Fox Chase Farm and Green Alchemy Herb & Mercantile, Willowcroft Farm Vineyard
Home Based Business of the Year: 1st Tee Golf, Executive Gift Planners, Lighthouse Concepts, LLC, Rose Promotions
Product of the Year: AllTranspack, Inc., Let's Dish!, Loudoun Independent, Omnilert
Retail Business of the Year: Edibles Incredible, Flintstone Marble & Granite,
Frilly Frocks & Polliwogs, Potomac River Running
Service Business of the Year: Children's Speech Therapy Center, Hinge, Sonak Family Chiropractic, StagedRite/TAH-DA! Inc.
Technology Business of the Year: Family Health Thermal Imaging, Invisible Towers, Net Drafter, LLC, NetQwik
Entrepreneur of the Year: Kinetix Technology, Lola's Cookies and Treats, E3 Living, Tally Ho Theatre
Small Business of the Year: BJD, Dulles Golf & Sports Park Center, FPR Catering, Unity Business Solutions
