The Greater Akron Chamber Announces Small Business Council Awards

July 9, 2004

CONTACT: Rebecca J. Guzy Woodford
Senior Director, Corporate Communications

Small Business Council Awards

The Small Business Council of the Greater Akron Chamber held its annual banquet and awards ceremony on Friday, June 25, 2004, at the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, and sponsored by Brott Mardis & Co. The Chamber celebrated the accomplishments of local business leaders. The following were recipients of the three award categories:

2004 Entrepreneur of the Year Recipient:

Richard Speelman, President – Speelman Electric, Inc.

Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists:

Barry G. Chiron, President – All Seasons RV
Patrick H. Allen, III, Founder/President – Allen Marketing & Associates, Inc.
Rennick A. Andreoli, President – Fairlawn Associates Limited
P.M. Jones, Chairman – Western Reserve Bank

2004 New & Emerging Business of the Year Recipient:

Brian W. Casto, President – ICI Networks, LLC

New & Emerging Business of the Year Finalists:

H.F. Skip Bohrer & Karl Balla, Principals – Concept Communities, Inc.
John Palazzo, President – Frontline International Inc.
Bill Jelen, President – Mr. Excel Consulting

2004 Small Business Advocate of the Year Recipient:

Russell Vernon, Chairman – West Point Market, Inc.

The individuals were nominated by their peers. For additional information on the awards, finalists, and recipients, contact Barbara Evans, Senior Vice President, Operations, at (330) 237-1257.