The Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce held its 2022 Small Business Awards on Wednesday afternoon at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.
Each year, the Chamber highlights local individuals and companies, who through their independent entrepreneurial spirit, play a vital role in building the community and the economy.
We spoke with Mike Gomez of Garden Central after they were presented with the Family-Owned Small Business of the Year award, and asked him what it means to win the award.
“Well, it means quite a bit, it just goes to show you that with a little bit of hard work you can get some stuff done, and we appreciate Findlay for giving us the opportunity to do this here in this town.”
Mike’s wife Kim is the current owner of Garden Central, which opened in Findlay in the spring of 2008.
It’s located at 430 East Main Cross Street in Findlay.
The other award winners are listed below.
Small Business of the Year
Presented to: Feasel’s Garden Center & Gregor’s
Sponsored by: Premier Bank
Small Business Person of the Year
Presented to: Ken Rood – DNC Hydraulics
Sponsored by: University of Findlay
Emerging Business of the Year
Presented to: River + Road
Sponsored by: State Bank
Nonprofit Leader of the Year
Presented to: Sue Lehman – Findlay Hope House
Sponsored by: The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation
Professional of the Year
Presented to: Chris Webb
Sponsored by: Old Fort Bank
“Our Spirit Shows” Hospitality Award
Presented to: Flag City Balloonfest
Sponsored by: Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Agriculture Enterprise Champion of the Year
Presented to: Jackson Farms
Sponsored by: Citizens National Bank
Diverse Small Business Champion of the Year
Presented to: Taco Fiesta Hinojosa
Sponsored by: Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Do Good! Award
Presented to: Heavenly Pizza
Sponsored by: City Apparel
Go Local Small Business Champion of the Year
Presented to: Buckeye Family Farm
Sponsored by: First National Bank
Small Business Manufacturing Excellence
Presented to: Werk-Brau Company
Sponsored by: The Companies of Tall Timbers Industrial Park
ATHENA Award
Presented to: Annette Edgington – GSW Manufacturing
Sponsored by: Huntington Bank
Manufacturing & Distribution Leadership Impact Award
Presented to: Cody Conaway – DNC Hydraulics
Sponsored by: Gilmore Jasion Mahler
Downtown Champion of the Year
Presented to: Burlwick & Co.
Sponsored by: Fifth Third Bank
Family Owned Small Business Champion of the Year
Presented to: Garden Central
Sponsored by: Hancock Federal Credit Union
Customer Service Champion of the Year
Presented to: Jack B’s
Sponsored by: Trust Company Family Offices
Women in Business Champion of the Year
Presented to: City Apparel
Sponsored by: WFIN-WKXA-106.3 The Fox Radio