A Night of Honor & Recognition

INCREASE Community Development Corporation (INCREASE CDC) hosted the 8th Annual Micro Entrepreneur Awards on Thursday, April 19, 2012.  The event, sponsored in part by Commerce National Bank, highlighted successful entrepreneurs in the Central Ohio community and also recognized graduates of INCREASE CDC’s business planning program. 

Over forty (40) entrepreneurs were nominated, and after a rigorous judging process, seven (7) business owners were selected as Micro Entrepreneurs of the Year.  These hard-working individuals were nominated by their peers or clients, and their companies were judged for longevity, marketability, and community involvement.  The recipient of the Community Choice award was determined by an on-line judging process where the Central Ohio community voted for their favorite entrepreneur.

Following are the 2012 Micro Entrepreneur Award recipients and the categories in which they excelled:

Tina & Tanya Carmichael – Clinton Consultants – Professional Services

Amy Clark – Amy Clark Studios – Consumer Services

Arthlene LeGair – LeGair Brand – Retail & Community Choice

Michael Tavares – Tavtel Media – Media & Entertainment

Aryana Walton-Thompson – Rehab Exclusive, LLC – Health & Fitness

Mataryun “Mo” Wright – RAMA Consulting – Professional Services

Tykiah Wright – WrightChoice Intern Program – Non-Profit

In addition to local entrepreneurs being recognized, twenty-eight (28) graduates of the Developing the Business Plan course were commended for successfully completing the course and their business plans.  Sandra Brogdon, a business planning alum and founder/publisher of Role Model Magazine, was chosen Alumnus of the Year.

The highlight of the evening was a leadership award presentation to William J. Carter, Executive Director for INCREASE CDC.  Carter was honored for his commitment to excellence in leading, growing, and sustaining the organization, which has served over 1,100 Central Ohio entrepreneurs since 1999.  The leadership award, while honoring Carter, also helped introduce the organization’s newest market, the professional and managerial client.  The INCREASE CDC Leadership award will now become a regular part of the organization’s signature event, the Micro Entrepreneur Awards. 

For more information, contact Carmen D. Dandridge, Community Outreach Coordinator for INCREASE CDC at 614 476-1758 or by email cdandridge@increasecdc.org.