Independence, MO
The annual awards recognizing Independence businesses that continue to expand are coming up.
The deadline is Friday for nominations for the fifth annual iNpact Awards presented by Independence Economic Development.
“There’s not a lot we can do as a community to say thank you,” said Economic Development President Tom Lesnak.
About two dozen companies qualify each year. They have to be located in Independence and meet one of two other critieria – adding at least two net new jobs in the past year or making $25,000 or more in capital investments. Lesnak said more companies are qualifying this year on the second of those, reflecting a general trend in the economy. Businesses are free to nominate themselves for the awards.
Independence Economic Development will hold its awards luncheon at 11 a.m. Feb. 17 at the Hilton Garden Inn.
There are other awards, too: two categories of manufacturer of the year, plus small business of the year and entrepreneur of the year.
The group also is introducing a new leadership award, the George Madison Award, named for Independence Economic Development’s first president. The three nominees are Independence School District Superintendent Jim Hinson, Jack Figg of Alliant Techsystems, the company that operates the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant; and Steve Hunter of Great Western Bank.
For more information or to nominate a company, go to: http://awards.inedc.biz/