Thursday, May 5th, during its Celebrate Small Business Week awards reception, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce recognized six outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners whose vision, talent and spirit create jobs, spur investment and enhance the quality of life in our community. The Albany Area Chamber recognized The Royal Collection as the 2016 Small Business of the Year. 

Southern Commercial Materials was named the first runner up. The second runner up was Cycle World Albany. The other four finalists were The Bread House and Granary; Charlie’s Paint and Body Shop; and Southern Point Staffing.

“Everyday, our small business owners work diligently to grow their businesses and provide quality products and exceptional customer service,” said Barbara Rivera Holmes, interim president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. “Albany’s small businesses, as exemplified by our finalists and winner, are the best of the best. We are proud to call them chamber members and to support their business through our efforts.”

In Georgia, 78 percent of all businesses have fewer than 10 employees, and 95 percent of businesses have fewer than 50 employees. 

The impact of small businesses is most significant when consumers “Think Local” and shop local. For every $100 spent at a small, locally owned business, $68 stays within the local economy. Those dollars help create jobs, support families, fund government services through sales taxes, provide investment for neighborhood improvements and promote development in our community.

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce hosted activities throughout National Small Business Week, May 2-6.

Since 1963 the president of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week. More than half of Americans either own or work for small businesses, creating about two out of every three jobs.

Follow the chamber at albanyga.com and on Facebook.