MANSFIELD — As far as Donnie Clark is concerned, there’s never been a better time to be a small business owner.
And there’s no better place to operate a small business than in Richland County.
“Richland County, right now for small business, is a very good place to be,” said Clark, owner of Elzy Milling & Trade in Bellville. “We are centrally located, so money from outside the area is coming in, but we’re still able to develop an infrastructure to service the people of Richland County.
“It’s a phenomenal place to be right now. I think Richland County ought to feel very good about where it is.”
Elzy Milling & Trade was recognized as the top small business in the Manufacturing/Industrial category during the 17th Richland Area Chamber of Commerce Salute to Small Business Awards and Reception at the downtown Holiday Inn on Thursday. The company was one of eight finalists and five semifinalists honored by the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s a testament to the hard work of all our employees and the vision that we had when we started the business three years ago,” Clark said. “We still have other areas of growth we’re going to tackle but this is confirmation of the direction we have taken thus far.”
Global Medical Foam, Inc., was recognized as the top business in the Entrepreneurial category. The company supplies specialty foam supplies to hospitals, long term care centers and home health agencies.
“Everybody is so supportive of each other here,” company owner and CEO Victoria Langer said.
A lifelong Ontario resident, Langer was a nurse’s aide when she noticed a need for products that would relieve discomfort from pressure wounds and bed sores. Her business venture became personal when her husband, Larry, was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer.
“It metastasized and he ended up with 13 tumors on his spine,” Langer said. “Before he passed away he said, ‘You have to do something with this product.’
“So we went to MedCentral and to the American Cancer Hospital in Chicago and every nurse and doctor who used the product said, ‘You’ve got to make more of these.’ That’s how we got started.”
Langer was humbled by the recognition.
“As a small business owner you work very hard. We truly have a passion,” she said. “I wanted to thank my office manager and her staff and she said, ‘I don’t need to be recognized. It’s just a passion we all have for this business.’ ”
Andy Rex, owner of Rex’s Landscaping & Construction, LLC, could relate. His company was honored in the Retail/Service category.
“It’s my team, there’s no doubt about it,” the Mansfield Senior graduate said. “They’ve always done a great job.”
The small business world has changed dramatically since Rex founded his business in 1990.
“There are a lot more regulations and restrictions on us now,” he said. “But things are good. We’re very happy with the way things are. The small business owners in our community are a great group of people.”
The top business in the Minority/Female category was Bellville Flowers & Gifts. Colleen and Jack Turner accepted the award together.
“I’m happy to see all the hard work pay off,” Colleen said.
Other finalists were Adams, Albert and Curry Agency; Athens Greek Restaurant; FundSaver.com and Shelby Floats & BBQ, LLC. Semifinalists were Bridal & Formal Wear by B; Granter’s Grinders; Miller’s Diamond Jewerly; The Phoenix Brewing Company; and The Vault Wine Bar.
“Small business is the backbone of the American economy,” Richland Area Chamber of Commerce President Jodie Perry said. “It’s contributing to most of the job growth that is happening and that is certainly true around here.
“Small businesses are an important part of the local economy so any chance we can take to celebrate local success stories is one we need to do.”
