Local Business Owners honored for achievements

Huntington Bank and INCREASE CDC Team Up to Honor Small Businesses

Contact William J. Carter, Executive Director
INCREASE CDC
(614)476-1758
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May 1, 2007: Huntington Bank and Increase Community Development Corporation are proud to announce the winners of the 2007 Micro Entrepreneur Awards. The Micro Entrepreneur Awards recognizes business owners with five employees or less for business excellence within their industry. While it is estimated that there are nearly 15,000 micro businesses in Franklin County alone, this is the only awards program that recognizes the contributions - and sacrifices - these entrepreneurs make in order to provide valuable services to the marketplace.

The award winners were selected based on growth, extraordinary leadership and vision, steady profit increase and community involvement. Winners received a glass trophy and special gifts from Huntington Bank, Business First and National City Bank at a special ceremony held on April 26 at Columbus Christian Center Church.

The award ceremony featured a keynote address by Eric J. Troy, Program Director for Ohio State University's Bell Center and CEO of Eternal Sports, in addition to award presentations from local entrepreneurs and businessmen such as Jim Kunk, Central Ohio Region President for Huntington Bank and James Schimmer, Director of Franklin County Commissioner's Economic Development and Planning Division.

The 2007 Award Winners are as follows:

1. Consumer Services Bonnie James, Advanced Reading Concepts Bonnie James is the owner of Advanced Reading Concepts, a company that conducts personalized speed reading plus courses and seminars for individual's classrooms, government agencies and corporations nationwide.
2. Financial Award Ayran "Christy" Johnson, IDL Financial Systems LLC Ayran "Christy" Johnson, is the owner of IDL Financial Systems LLC, IDL provides notary and bookkeeping services and products in addition to consulting and tax preparation.
3. Non-Profit Award Pastor Mitchell Ellison, C.R.A.C.K. House Ministries C.R.A.C.K. House Ministries provides counseling, housing and support to individuals with drug and alcohol addictions.
4. Media & Entertainment Award Regina L. Edwards, Creative Design Group Ltd. Creative Design Group Ltd is a full-service meeting and event planning company. Edwards is a certified meeting professional.
5. Real Estate Award Elton Davis, Re/Max Davis Team Inc. Elton Davis Jr. is the partner/ senior manager of the RE/Max Champions Davis Team. Davis sells real estate, is a sales coach and has a mentoring program.
6. Retail Award Melissa Perkins, Uzuri Kid Kidz Uzuri Kid Kidz is a line of multicultural children's party ware and accessories.
7. Technology & Communications Award Linda Sorrells-Smith, Sorrells-Smith Graphic Design Sorrells-Smith Graphic Design provides graphic design, layout and illustration services for print and web application. INCREASE CDC also honored graduates of its financial and business training programs, and one alumnus of the year, Marvin "Obie" Stillwell, the owner of three Trident Title Agency franchise locations.

INCREASE Community Development Corp. is a non-profit faith-based organization devoted to improving the quality of life in Central Ohio through education, entrepreneurship, and economic development. INCREASE CDC is funded in part by the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio CDC association and most Central Ohio major banks.