Chamber reveals Small Business Award finalists

Five companies are in the running for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award.

The businesses, which provide services ranging from HVAC and coffee to engineering, chiropractic and web design, were announced during an event hosted at the efactory yesterday afternoon. The winning company is scheduled to be announced during the chamber’s annual Small Business Award event on May 8 at Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, according to a news release.

The companies, in alphabetical order, are:
• Air Services Heating & Cooling/All Service Professional Plumbing, which provides residential heating and air unit repairs and replacements, among other services;
• The Coffee Ethic LLC, a downtown coffee shop launched in 2007 by Jim Hamilton and Tom Billionis, who was active in center city revitalization of center city before Billionis’ death in 2016;
• ESC Inc. Consulting Engineers, a 30-year-old mechanical, electrical, civil and structural engineering firm, as well as a provider of construction design consulting and automation services;
• Loehr Chiropractic and Acupuncture LLC, a practice launched in 2014 by Dr. Steven Loehr that offers medical services without the use of surgery or medication; and
• Mostly Serious LLC, a digital agency specializing in websites, research and marketing with clients that include CoxHealth and Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

Air Services Heating & Cooling’s Richard Callahan, The Coffee Ethic’s Michelle Billionis, ESC Inc.’s Scott Bybee, Loehr and Mostly Serious’ Jarad Johnson participated in a panel discussion moderated by the chamber’s Dori Grinder during the efactory event.

Chamber President Matt Morrow said small businesses comprise more than 80 percent of the organization’s membership ranks.

“Small businesses have always been the backbone of the economy, and their success is critical to keeping our region healthy and vibrant,” he said in the release. “We’re proud to honor the success of these five companies, because they serve as shining examples of how enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit have made this region a great place to do business and create jobs.”

Last year’s Small Business Award winner was Great River Engineering Inc. Finalists were Atlas Security Service Inc., Complete Automotive, OzAir Charter Service and Revel Advertising.

Past honorees include Askinosie Chocolate LLC, Rick’s Automotive and BRP Architects for the award launched in 1992.