Austin Chamber of Commerce Announces Finalists for 15th Annual Greater Austin Business Awards

July 31, 2015, AUSTIN, TX – The Austin Chamber of Commerce today announced the finalists in nine business categories for its upcoming 15th Annual Greater Austin Business Awards. The winning business in each category, determined by a panel of judges, will be announced during a ceremony at the Hilton Austin on August 27, 2015.

In addition, the Chamber plans to announce the winner of this year’s community vote for the Most Uniquely Austin business. The Austin public is invited to participate in the selection of this year’s winner from six nominated companies, highlighted below, through a survey available online.

"We are proud to recognize local businesses that standout and exemplify key Central Texas community values including diversity, innovation and economic stability," said Phyllis Snodgrass, Chief Operating Officer, Austin Chamber of Commerce. "We are grateful to have the opportunity to highlight all of our finalists and we look forward to celebrating the winners. All of these businesses contribute to making the Austin region a great place to live, work and play."

There were about 300 companies nominated for the Chamber’s Business Awards. Winners will be selected from the following named finalists:

The Freescale Most Uniquely Austin Award recognizes a company that embraces Austin's unique culture and exemplifies what it means to live and do business in Austin. Finalists: Lammes Candies Since 1885, Inc.; Deep Eddy Spirits; Arts+Labor; OnRamp; Austin Pets Alive!; and Kerbey Lane Café.

The Austin Energy Technology & Innovation Award recognizes any organization in any industry that employs new ideas or approaches to doing business. Large Division Finalists: Luminex Corporation; The Zebra; OutboundEngine; Raytheon│Websense; HomeAway Software. Mid-Sized Division Finalists: MailLift; Famigo, Inc; FreightPros; EvoSure; Hill+Knowlton Strategies. Small Division Finalists: Nuve; Tye Truitt, Entrepreneur; Global Environmental Services; Mimiran; CAM-I.

The Blackbaud & Entrepreneurs Foundation Non-Profit Award 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. Finalists: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas; Central Texas American Diabetes Association; Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin & Central Texas; YMCA of Austin; Thinkery.

The Cook-Walden Community Relations Award recognizes 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 Finalists: BuildASign; Rackspace; Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Inc.; EZCORP; MAXIMUS. Mid-Sized Division Finalists: Cushman & Wakefield | Oxford Commercial; Yellow Cab Austin; Padgett Stratemann & Co.; Neighbors Emergency Center; The Steam Team. Small Division Finalists: Realty Austin; MoveCorp; Flashback Data, LLC.; Vintage IT Services; The Hay Legal Group PLLC.

The International Trade, Investment & Expansion Award recognizes investments by international companies in Austin that create jobs locally, as well as Austin-based companies who have a global impact through products and services provided worldwide. Finalists: Bioo Scientific; ETS-Lindgran LP; Emergo Group; CAM-I; Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, LLC; Constant Contact.

The Higginbotham Health & Wellness Award recognizes any organization in any industry that actively encourages employees to engage in a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. Large Division Finalists: AMD; MAXIMUS; Texas Mutual Insurance Company; Keller Williams Realty International; Rackspace. Mid-Sized Division Finalists: CSID; The Beck Group; Encotech Engineering Consultants, Inc.; Strive Logistics; SHIFT Communications. Small Division Finalists: Snap Kitchen; The Karis Group; Serenity Creek Med Spa; MHBT Inc.; Rachel Madorsky, LCSW Austin Counseling and Relationship Therapy.

The Intel Environmental Responsibility & Sustainability Award recognizes any organization in any industry that demonstrates commitment to environmentally sound practices. Large Division Finalists: HID Global; Green Mountain Energy; AMD; car2go North America; Four Seasons Hotel. Mid-Sized Division Finalists: Native; Concurrent Design, Inc.; Encotech Engineering Consultants, Inc.; MHD Enterprises. Small Division Finalists: Lone Star Clean Fuel Alliance; CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas; Zipcar; Incenergy; The Ampersand Agency.

The KPMG Executive Leadership Award recognizes presidents, principals or chief executive officers for devoting time and energy to strengthen and transform the organization they lead. Large Division Finalists: Dave Anderson, Novati Technologies; Rafael Hoyle Ph.D., International Studies Abroad; Henrik Johansson, Boundless Network; Ernest Cunningham, One Source Networks, Steve Dewire, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines; Dan Graham, BuildASign; Ben Lamm, Chaotic Moon. Mid-Sized Division Finalists: Dustin Wells, Headspring; Chris Taylor, Square Root; Beverly Chasse, Chasse Consulting: Sales Strategies Inc.; Joe Ross, CSID; Matt Trocchio, SHIFT Communications. Small Division Finalists: Natalie Kennedy, Kennedy Creative; James DiMeo, Charles Maund Toyota; Michael Manning, Rocksauce Studios; Elizabeth Frisch, The Thrival Company.

The Time Warner Cable Business Class Customer Service & Loyalty Award recognizes any organization in any industry dedicated to outstanding customer service and satisfaction in all aspects of sales and service. Large Division Finalists: Hilton Austin; TG; BuildASign; Tiff's Treats Cookie Delivery; MBX Systems. Mid-Sized Division Finalists: Barnett Auto Group (Onion Creek Volkswagen); Technology Pointe; Eye Physicians of Austin; Care.com HomePay; Dagar's Catering. Small Division Finalists: Maximum FX Salons; Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of South Austin; IT Freedom; Dropoff; WEBii.

More event information can be found at austinchamber.com/awards.

About the Austin Chamber

The mission of the Austin Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effective advocacy for its 3,000+ members. For more information about the Austin Chamber of Commerce visit AustinChamber.com.

Media Inquiries:

Jenny Steward, Public Relations Manager, Austin Chamber of Commerce

O: 512.322.5637

jsteward@austinchamber.com

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