More than 120 people gathered at the 2016 Annual Business Awards Breakfast November 17 to congratulate five exceptional Hudson businesses who have made a significant impact on the Hudson community and economy. The City is proud to be the home of an outstanding and diverse business community.
The City and Hudson Chamber of Commerce were pleased to host Hudson resident and Progessive CEO Tricia Griffith as the keynote speaker. She shared key leadership goals and tips that have helped shape Progressive's culture and her successful leadership style. Attendees left feeling inspired.
2016 Business Awards Winners:
New Business of the Year: Gwendolyn Elizabeth
Fourteen-year old Gwendolyn Carson started Gwendolyn Elizabeth, a bath, body, and candle store, in November 2015 and continues to see revenue growth. She has raised close to $5,000 through her efforts to give back to the Hudson community and those in need. She continues to create special products for charity and donates the proceeds back to individuals and organizations in need.
Large Business of the Year Award: Laurel Lake Retirement Community
Laurel Lake is a continuing care retirement facility celebrating 28 years of service. The community is home to 475 older adults and employs 225 full time equivalents, making it one of Hudson’s largest employers. Work is in progress to expand the core active lifestyle amenities to better serve the residents. Laurel Lake also has an impressive Community Outreach program that provides services to Hudson and neighboring communities.
Small Business of the Year: Viva Bene Gourmet
Viva Bene Gourmet, owned by Erin Chenault, is a wine and gourmet foods store that opened its doors in December of 2014 that continues to grow. Chenault is an active member of the community, serving on the Merchants of Hudson Board and as a Hudson Chamber of Commerce member.
Innovator of the Year: Kurtz Company
Kurtz & Company is a real estate company started five years ago by Jim and Patti Kurtz. It has grown into a team of ten highly experienced Ohio licensed real estate agents and two administrators who are the number one real estate team in Keller William Chervenic Realty. The company provides great service, ethical behavior and practices, trust, knowledge, and care.
Spirit of Hudson: Clothing Crusade
Stephanie Sutton, Suzanne Heckroth, Beth Binns and Kim Cornacchione are the ladies behind Clothing Crusade, an organization that collects and donates clothing to local members of the community. The all-volunteer workforce contributes to more than 500 hours annually to donate quality clothing to local families and children in need.
2016 Featured Entrepreneurs:
-Callahan's Carpet One - Christine & Larry Callahan
-A&B Roofing - Billy Buehl
-RG Digital - Russ Gordyon
-Fit4Mom - Kara Jackowski
-Gwendolyn Elizabeth - Gwen Carson
-MedApproved - Tim Hopkins
-Peace Love & Little Donuts - Gina & Brian Bishop
-2nd Friday Art Hops - Shannon Casey, Karen Koch, Dana Giel-Ray, Stacie Pinover, Mary Kay Haneline, Kathy Johnson, Deborah Pinnell, Michelle Touve-Holland.
-Hudson Chiropractic - Dr. Bob & Sandi Graves
-North End - Elaine & Scott Kuebler
-ReStyled Reserve - Leo Holland
Congratulations and thank you all for making Hudson the best place to live, work, and play.
Photo by: Andrew Jordan Photography