MANSFIELD – Winners for the Small Business of the Year award will be announced on Dec. 16 when the Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development livestreams the awards ceremony on it’s Facebook page.
The chamber announced finalists of the award on Friday. For the 14-and-fewer employee category, the finalists are DRM Productions, Elzy Milling and Trade and Studio 19 Salon and Spa.
Jay Miller, chief executive officer for DRM Productions, said it’s great to be nominated for the award and show the team its hard work is recognized. The communications company produced over 20 videos this year to showcase the good things happening in the area.
“Without this amazing community, we wouldn’t have the amazing stories to tell,” Miller said.
Elzy Milling and Trade, a Bellville-based business, won the honor in 2015 and was the finalist in 2018. Co-owner Donnie Clark said the third nomination shows its business model resonates with customers. It also highlights southern Richland County as a viable place to do business.
Studio 19 Salon and Spa has also won the Community Spirit Award this year. The new award aims to highlight businesses that gave back to the community in 2020. Studio 19 organized five “Day of PPE Donation” events at the salon during its shutdown and donated all the supplies to OhioHealth Mansfield.
Owner Melissa Cary said she is extremely grateful to be recognized in that way and being able to continue to do what she and her staff love ─ to give back to the community.
“I kind of tell my girls that, you know, we’re so much more than what we do behind the chair,” she said.
Y-Not Cycling and Fitness is another winner of the Community Spirit Award. According to the chamber, the company made rental bikes free to the public after the shelter-in-place order was issued. From March to May, it provided 368 individual rentals and the opportunity for families to enjoy outdoor activities safely.
Finalists in the 15-and-more employee category are Dearman Moving and Storage, Debt Recovery Solutions of Ohio, and Schmidt Security Pro. Tim Campbell, co-owner of Dearman Moving and Storage, said this is the first time the company being nominated. He was a little surprised but very excited about being the finalist.
The chamber said the awards ceremony will be held at noon on Dec. 16 and livestreamed on its Facebook page. There is no fee and no need to register.
