The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce recognized 23 winners from 100 finalists at the 12th annual Greater Austin Business Awards at the Hilton Austin on August 30. In addition to the awards, the Non-Profit category winner, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, received a $5,000 donation from Entrepreneurs Foundation and Blackbaud.
The list of winners and finalists can be viewed at austinchamber.com/awards.
Winners of the 2012 Greater Austin Business Awards:
In the category of Innovative Practices, the Austin Chamber recognizes any organization in any industry that employs new ideas or approaches to doing business. Large Division Winner: WhaleShark. Medium Division Winner: Image Microsystems. Small Division Winner: TROPHYOLOGY.
In the category of Customer Service, the Austin Chamber recognizes any organization in any industry dedicated to outstanding customer service and satisfaction in all aspects of sales and services. Large Division Winner: Amplify Credit Union. Medium Division Winner: Chez Zee American Bistro. Small Division Winner: Maximum FX Salons Spas.
The Community Relations category is recognized by the Austin Chamber as any organization in any industry that demonstrates a successful approach to corporate social responsibility and can show a positive impact on the community. Large Division: 3M. Medium Division Winner: Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP. Small Division Winner: Oxford Commercial.
The Austin Chamber recognizes the Environment category as any organization in any industry that demonstrates commitment to environmentally sound practices. Large Division Winner: Rackspace. Medium Division: uShip. Small Division Winner: Keep Austin Beautiful.
The Health & Wellness category is recognized by the Austin Chamber as any organization in any industry that actively encourages employees to engage in a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. Large Division Winner: AMD. Medium Division Winner: University Co-operative Society. Small Division Winner: Snap Kitchen.
In the category of Technology, the Austin Chamber recognizes any organization in any industry that has developed a product which is innovative and has a created significant new opportunity for the company. Large Division Winner: Luminex. Medium Division Winner: SolarBridge Technologies. Small Division Winner: FireFly LED Lighting, Inc.
As defined by the Austin Chamber, the Non-Profit category recognizes any Section 501(c)(3) public charity or private foundation that is tirelessly focused on serving the community and the partnerships they have built with for-profit organizations. Winner: Health Alliance for Austin Musicians.
The ‘Most Uniquely Austin’ Award goes to a company that embraces the unique Austin culture and exemplifies what it means to live and do business in Austin. This award was decided by live vote through text messages from present businesses. Winner: Fantastic Magic Camp.
The ‘Chairman’s Choice’ Awards are chosen from all categories as an overall best of show. Large Division Winner: AMD. Medium Division Winner: SolarBridge Technologies. Small Division Winner: Oxford Commercial.
Presenting Sponsors for the Greater Austin Business Awards included the Hilton Austin and the Austin American Statesman. As a Gold Sponsor is General Motors and Category Sponsors included Texas Gas Service; CIGNA; Blackbaud; Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas; ABC Home & Commercial Services; Austin Energy; Cook-Walden Funeral Home; Samsung; CyrusOne; Time Warner Cable Business Class; and Live Oak Gottesman. Corporate Sponsors were Fowler Law Firm; HT Staffing; Oxford Commercial; Silicon Labs; and United Parcel Service.
Congratulations to all the award winners! And it’s great these are awarded in three size categories — this gives small and medium sized businesses a chance for some good visibility (and many times they show up the larger companies). Time to start planning for the 2013 awards!