Robins Regional chamber names small business of the year
WARNER ROBINS -- Spillers Orthodontics was named Small Business of the Year in the Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual Pinnacle Awards ceremony Thursday night.
Chamber President April Bragg said prior to the ceremony that Spillers stood out for its business practices, including how it worked with people with limited financial means.
"Spillers had a unique way of putting people first," she said. "They are a testament to good business."
Other nominees for the award were Automotive Paint & Equipment, The Butcher Shop, Gottwals Books, the McNeal Agency and Xact Computing.
Nominees were evaluated in the areas of staying power, commitment to the local economy, sustainability, integrity, adaptation, response to challenges, community contribution and leadership.
Hazel Colson, a nurse at Heart of Georgia Hospice for 29 years, was awarded the Robins Regional Rockstar award. The award, formerly known as the Employee of the Year award, recognizes people who are especially passionate about their jobs.
The Good Government Service award went to Angie Gheesling, director of the Houston County Development Authority. That award recognizes exceptional service by a government official or employee. Gheesling led a successful effort to lure an industry to the county's speculative building, which had been vacant since it was built in 2001.
Ross Tolleson, a former Houston County state senator, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. It was presented by Larry O'Neal, a former state representative from Houston County.
The Ambassador of the Year award went to Cathy Cotton, of State Bank.
Sara Murph, of Parrish Construction, was given the Chamber Champion award. The award is given each year to a top chamber volunteer.
Shon Barnwell was given the Community Leadership Award. The award is given each year to a member of the Leadership Robins Region class, voted on by members of the class.
The event was held at the Marriott Courtyard in Warner Robins.
To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.
This story was originally published January 28, 2016 at 9:15 PM with the headline "Robins Regional chamber names small business of the year ."