Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce honors small businesses

Small businesses make up 99.7% of all U.S. employer firms.

That was just one statistic Michael Vejins shared as he welcomed 106 guests to the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Week awards luncheon on Oct. 19 at Zota Beach Resort.

Vejins, of supporting sponsor Raymond James Financial, shared other definitions of a small business before giving his own. He said words and phrases like “passionate” and “improve quality of life” described the small businesses represented in the room.

First-place awards were given to a small businessperson as well as first and second runners-up in four categories: Rookie Small Businessperson of the Year (for businesses 3 years old or less as of Jan. 1, 2017); Small Businessperson of the Year (10 or fewer employees); Small Businessperson of the Year (11 to 100 employees); and Good as Green Business of the Year.

After the awards were given out, Vejins reminded the guests how important it was to network with each other beyond leads. He encouraged them to share ideas.

This is the first time Small Business Week has been held since 2012.  Chamber President Gail Loefgren was pleased with how it all turned out.

“Recognizing business is one of my favorite things to do, giving credit to people who deserve it” Loefgren said.

The businesses appreciated the recognition.

LaPensee Plumbing won Small Businessperson of the Year in the 11 to 100 employees category. Owners Karen and Greg LaPensee were overwhelmed and surprised at their award, but appreciative. Greg LaPensee said it’s a lot of hard work, so being recognized evokes a good feeling.

Susan Robinson of Key Culinary Tours, who won Rookie Small Businessperson of the Year, echoed those feelings.

“It’s a validation of our hard work,” Robinson said. “It’s hard being a rookie out here.”