Local businesses large and small were honored Wednesday with awards from the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Brice Business Group, a local real estate consulting company, and Cox Communications received top honors in the overall categories at the Business of the Year awards.
Cox won the overall award for large business, and Brice Business Group won for small business, said Nickie Kortus, events manager for the Chamber of Commerce.
"We try to recognize businesses that are leading the pack," Kortus said.
Winners were chosen from out of 29 finalists in seven different categories, such as innovation, entrepreneurship and newcomer.
Kortus said anonymous judges scored each application, which includes questions about how each business operates, treats employees or positively impacts the area.
Overall winner Brice Business Group, which deals with energy-efficient housing, also received the newest award for commitment to the environment.
The group is the second business to win the commitment to the environment award.
David Miller, president of Brice Business Group, said he was surprised to win.
"It feels awesome," Miller said. "I think the level of competition was good. We just didn't think we had much of a chance."
Other winners included Indigo, an environmentally friendly store; Centric Studios, a Web design company; Home Magazine; Advantage Publishing Inc.; and Florida Food Service Inc.
This year's nonprofit award went to the historic Hippodrome State Theatre.
"We're really happy to be recognized by the chamber," said Mary Hausch, producing director for the Hippodrome.
Hausch said the application was intense, and she attributes the Hippodrome's win to its originality and unique theater performances.
She also said she has high hopes for next year.
"Well, I don't know if you can win it twice in a row, but we'll sure try," she said.
