BG's NovaVision Among Six Firms to be Honored

PERRYSBURG - Since 2006, the Entrepreneurial & Business Excellence Hall of Fame has honored exemplary local and regional entrepreneurs and family businesses in the area. This year there are six companies that will be feted for distinction in business growth and innovation. They will be inducted during the annual ceremony on Nov. 8 at The Pinnacle in Maumee. The honorees are:

Business Excellence Awards

  • Burkett Restaurant Equipment, Toledo, Jameel Burkett, CEO.
  • Clouse Construction Corp., New Reigel, Lenny Clouse, President.
  • NovaVision, Inc., Bowling Green, Mike Messmer, General Manager, vice president
  • Riker Products, Toledo, Gary Frye, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Excellence In Family Business Award

  • Mel Lanzer Company, Napoleon, Mel Lanzer, Chairman of the Board; Charlotte Zgela, President; Matthew Lanzer, Vice President; Lyndsey Lucas, Project Manager.

Excellence In Startup Innovation Idea Award

  • Solar Spectrum, LLC: Charles Tomita, President.

The EBE Hall of Fame class of 2012 represents a variety of industries that include, construction, auto, restaurant supplier, security products and solar.
"In what some say is a struggling economy in our region, we continue to honor companies that are going against all odds and are achieving high levels of success in both sales and also the creation and retention of many employees," EBE Chairman Adam Davenport said.

He added that "the support of so many businesses, organizations and past hall of fame honorees is what truly makes this program successful year after year and I don't expect that to ever stop. It proves that if events are put on to show the positive aspects of our area, great successes can be identified and celebrated."

The 2012 Entrepreneurial and Business Excellence Hall of Fame, presented by The University Toledo, was founded by Gorillas & Gazelles LLC in partnership with Bowling Green State University, Davenport, Hanf & Company, LLC and Medical Mutual of Ohio/BDS Agency Management. Additional primary sponsors include UT Innovation Enterprises, UT College of Business Administration, and The Center for Family and Privately Held Business.

This event is open to the public and reserved tickets can be purchased for $85.

There are over 40 companies already sponsoring the program in some form and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit the EBE website at www.ebehof.com for further information.

Formed in 2006, the mission of the Entrepreneurial & Business Excellence Hall of Fame is to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs and business leaders who have built and sustained growing businesses and created jobs in the region.

Questions? Need Help?