It's hard enough being in a competition but even tougher when that pool is filled with friends and business colleagues.
In this case many of the businesses recognized in the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce's 2011 Business of the Year Awards (BOTY) were indeed longtime business associates clients vendors tenants and friends from the communitiy.
This month we relished in the nomination for the 2011 Best Overall Large Business of the Year and joined our local industries at the UF Hilton to celebrate their honors as well.
On top of the regular nomination process the Chamber allowed video submissions for various award categories - you can see some of the creative work here. For the second year Gainesville born and based company Fracture
provided the nifty plaque-style awards. (You remember Fracture right? Of course you do).
Community Cultivator - Non-Profit: Children's Home Society of Florida
Commitment to the Environment: Parisleaf Printing and Design
Leading Women's Enterprise: IndepenDance Studio and Student Maid Inc.
Best Minority Business: Carpet Systems Plus of North Florida Inc.
Growing Our Own - Business Expansion: Banyan Biomarkers Inc.
Gainesville to the World - International Business: SumTotal Systems Inc.
Best Overall Small Business - University of Florida Performing Arts
Best Overall Large Business - Crime Prevention Security Systems
A heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners and nominees and a special thumbs up to our tablemates - Student Maid.
We'll see you again next year - same time same place!