HWCOC Star Awards

HOUSTON (February 19, 2010) – Eight local businesses are shining on Houston’s West side after receiving awards at the prestigious Twelfth Annual Economic Development Summit and Star Awards Luncheon sponsored by the Houston West Chamber of Commerce on February 19. The Houston Community and business leaders enjoyed the awards presentation and a keynote speech from Edward G. Muzio, President/CEO/Author of Four Secrets to Liking Your Work: You May Not Need to Quit to Get the Job You Want. Linda Lorelle, long-time Houston journalist and former Channel 2 News Anchor, served as emcee for the luncheon.

Houston Community College’s Audio Recording and Filmmaking Department Chair, Scott Gehman, chaired the Star Award Committee that organized this annual event. Sandra Louvier, Director of the NW College’s HCC Center for Entrepreneurship, served as one of three judges in the competition. “West Houston continues to be the center of economic growth for Harris County and the businesses honored here at the Star Awards Luncheon deserve their chance in the spotlight for the spectacular services they provide their community,” said Scott Gehman. “These leaders excel in business acumen and strive to improve the quality of life for every resident of West Houston. Their vision and resolve are the factors that keep West Houston recognized as a strong, established community of employers, employees and families.”

“2009 was a tough year for business, but you’d never know it by reviewing the Star Award applications,” said Jeannie Bollinger, President of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce. “These outstanding businesses grew in revenue and employees. They are bold entrepreneurs who are contributing to the economic well-being of West Houston at that same time they’re working to make our city more livable through their contributions to community organizations.”

The selection of the winner in each category was based upon overall business performance and contributions to the West Houston community during the past year. Criteria taken into consideration include number of employees added, revenue increases and support of the community through donations of time and/or money.

“Service to the community, along with savvy marketing and business practices dominated the road to the success for the finalists and winners,” said Star Awards judge Sandra Louvier. “Their example allows these individual companies to create a synergistic, ripple effect that positively impacts the underlying foundation for the sustained economic health of West Houston.”

Harris Country Precinct 3 headed by Commissioner Steve Radack received the Impact Award for building parks and roadways that enhance West Houston’s quality of life. This year’s winners in the Newly Opened or Relocated category were Melaroo Web Marketing and PGAL. Named as winners in the Existing Business Category were: ABACO International Executive Search Consultants, American InterContinental University and Medical Insights & Care Unlimited, LP. House of Amos received the Star Award in the non-profit category. Honorable mention was given to Cram Crew.

The Houston West Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization dedicated to enhancing the economic growth and vitality of the West Houston business community through leadership and business development. The Chamber currently has more than 570 business members representing 45,000 employees. For more information about the Chamber and its programs, please call 713.785.4922 or visit www.hwcoc.org.

The HCC Center for Entrepreneurship is a collaborative effort between Newspring, the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, SCORE and other community entities that strive to foster new business growth. For more information contact Sandra Louvier at c4e@hccs.edu or visit  northwest.hccs.edu/c4e.