The East Dallas Chamber of Commerce recently recognized recipients of its second annual East of Town, Best Around Small Business Awards. This year’s winners were Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Sweet Temptations, and Kokopelli Restaurant.
The chamber received 102 nominations for three categories – community service, growth of existing business, and new business.
“There are very few business awards that come from the community, that say, ‘thank you for doing a good job,’” says Steve Garvin, chair of the Chamber’s small business awards committee. “The awards area a way to open the Chamber up to new businesses and to give existing businesses recognition.”
The Arboretum received the community service award, given to an organization that has demonstrated commitment to the community through its generosity and care, Garvin says. First runner up was Barbec’s Restaurant, and second runner up was Buckner Baptist Children’s Home.
The growth of existing business award went to Sweet Temptations for the greatest percentage increase in revenue and positive net earnings for the previous three years. First runner up was Canine Commissary, and second runner up was Ron Dawson Pest Control Inc.
Kokopelli’s received the new business award, given to a company in business three years or less that has shown viability and growth. Recovery Express Delivery Inc. was first runner up, and Garland Road Thrift Stores tied with Hi-Tech Satellite for second runner up.
Businesses were nominated by members of the Chamber and then judged by a panel of three businessmen: Steve Evans, president of Evans Pontiac; Michaux Nash, Jr., president of EastPark National Bank; and Al Salgado, director of the Small Business Development Center of the Bill Priest Institute.
News & Notes
SERVICE LEAGUE AUCTION: The Lakewood Service League’s 13th annual auction party will be at the Southland Center Hotel, 400 N. Olive, on Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. “Moving Colors,” a band headlined by neighborhood resident Bill Brooks, will perform.
Athletic attire is suggested for the “Big League Ball,” and sports celebrities such as former Dallas Mavericks Scott Lloyd and Marty Byrnes will be attending. A live and silent auction also will be held. Proceeds from the event benefit neighborhood service organizations and schools. More than $35,000 was donated to neighborhood groups from last year’s auction proceeds. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 827-1264.
COMPUTER SALE HELPS TEENS: Dallas Can! Academy seeks donations of old computers, accessories and software. Donations will be sold to fund academy programs for at-risk teenagers. Academy students will repair the computers, manage the store where the computers are sold, and work with the vendors and customers. Free pick-up is available, and donations are tax deductible. Call 824-4226.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH HONORED: Every Monday night in February from 7 to 9 p.m., Whole Foods on Lower Greenville will feature African American artists during open-mike poetry readings in the market’s Bluebonnet Café and Deli in honor of Black History Month.
EASTPARK ANNOUNCES NEW VP: EastPark National Bank has promoted Mike Baird to Assistant Vice President. Baird began his banking career as a credit analyst with EastPark 18 months ago. Prior to that, Baird worked for Texas Instruments and Lockheed.
