Eight local businesses were recognized Thursday night at the Gainesville Area Chamber of commerce’s Business of the Year Awards.
The chamber received more than 50 nominations for the awards, said event manager Mallory Thompson. Most applications were for more general categories like Overall Small Business and Overall Large Business, but specialized categories like Leading Women’s Enterprise and Best Minority Business also had contenders.
An anonymous panel of chamber stakeholders with no tie to the contenders judged the competition, which was hosted at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville.
The ceremony’s presenting event sponsor was Northwestern Mutual, Thompson said.
“This event is important because it brings together businesses from across all industries who all have one thing in common: a heart for this Gainesville community and a desire to see it grow,” she said.
Stephanie Darilus, 22, said she thinks the annual awards serve as an inspiration to the community.
“It is very important that they are recognized for their hard work so that they can continue to provide quality work,” the UF political science senior said.
Other businesses can use the winners as a gauge for their own success, as well, which will make them work harder, she said.
Darilus has taken yoga classes at Gainesville Health & Fitness Center — the winner of the Best Business Expansion award — for the past year and a half.
She credits the gym’s staff and welcoming environment for the business’ success.
“The first time I took the class, the teacher made me feel very welcome, and she was very patient,” she said. “A business is nothing without efficient and well-minded staff.”
