Chamber gives honor to Jackson and Sons
By Catharin Shepard
Published in News on June 19, 2009 1:46 PM
The Wayne Community College Small Business Center and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce honored three local businesses Thursday at the 14th annual Wayne County Small Business of the Year Awards.
Jackson and Sons Heating and Air Conditioning received the Small Business of the Year Award for demonstrating excellence in business practices, customer service and community involvement. Though they have fewer than 50 employees, the business is very active in many aspects of the community.
"It is a small family business that still has its headquarters in Dudley, but has a huge impact on the community," said Dr. Kay Albertson, the president of Wayne Community College, who presented the award. "From assisting with Habitat for Humanity homes to financially supporting the Red Cross, Community Soup Kitchen, Boys and Girls Clubs, United Way, Mount Olive College and Public Radio East, Jackson and Sons, with just 44 people, gives much more than many 'big' businesses."
The heating and air conditioning company also provides equipment, funds scholarships, serves on committees, supports field trips and helps with the annual golf tournament at Wayne Community College, Albertson added.
David and Danny Jackson and Lyman Smith accepted the award on behalf of the business.
"We're really excited that we won. We're really appreciate of the award," Danny Jackson said.
Down Home Magazine was named New Business of the Year. Down Home is a free bi-monthly arts and human interest publication based in Pikeville. The magazine was started in April 2008 by Cindi Pate, who accepted the award along with J.R. Poe.
"It's really kind of exhilarating," Ms. Pate said. "It just kind of started out and it's been rolling ever since."
The New Business of the Year Award is presented each year to the small business that has been in operation for one to five years and has a record of growth in number of employees, sales and/or growth units.
The community-based rehabilitation facility Wayne Opportunity Center received the Innovation Award for showing creativity in their business. The center serves more than 115 clients with physical and mental challenges every day, and the 65 staff members help people with disabilities find jobs. The company also "provides the community with needed services, such as recycling, through its training programs," Dr. Albertson said.
Director John Chance accepted the award.
"We have a good staff, and we work with good clients, and we certainly do appreciate this," he said.
Winners received a plaque for their office, inclusion on a permanent plaque at Wayne Community College, a free course at the college and, for the small business of the year, a free basic membership with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. They also received various other prizes donated by Chamber businesses.
Last year's winners were Karen's Custom Framing, The Flying Shamrock and Geographic Technologies.