There are a number of annual events Toledo Free Press is proud to support, but one stands out for me each year — The Entrepreneurial & Business Excellence (EBE) Hall of Fame ceremony.
Formed in 2006, the EBE recognizes, according its website, “outstanding entrepreneurs and business leaders who have built and sustained growing businesses and created jobs in the region. EBE also applauds established and fledgling businesses that display technological innovation in their respective industry. The program was formed as a result of a recognized need to foster and honor entrepreneurial success and business excellence in our region and is anticipating more than 700 attendees this year.”
This year, six local companies will be inducted during the annual ceremony on Nov. 8 at The Pinnacle in Maumee:
- Business Excellence Awards go to Burkett Restaurant Equipment, Clouse Construction Corp., NovaVision, Inc. and Riker Products.
- The Excellence in Family Business Award goes to Mel Lanzer Company.
- The Excellence in Startup Innovation Idea Award goes to Solar Spectrum, LLC.
Adam Davenport, EBE chairman, said, “In what some say is a struggling economy in our region, we continue to honor companies that are going against all odds and are achieving high levels of success in both sales and also the creation and retention of many employees.
“The support of so many businesses, organizations and past Hall of Fame honorees is what truly makes this program successful year after year, and I don’t expect that to ever stop. It proves that if events are put on to show the positive aspects of our area, great successes can be identified and celebrated.”
The 2012 Entrepreneurial and Business Excellence Hall of Fame is presented by The University of Toledo and is founded by Gorillas & Gazelles LLC in partnership with Bowling Green State University, Davenport, Hanf & Company, LLC and Medical Mutual of Ohio/BDS Agency Management. Additional primary sponsors include UT Innovation Enterprises, UT College of Business Administration and The Center for Family and Privately Held Business. Toledo Free Press is proud to be the event’s media sponsor and, as a 2008 honoree, can attest to the honor the EBE bestows.
Visit the EBE website for further information about event tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
Join us in applauding this year’s recipients and celebrating their contributions to our community.
Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star.
