Payson Roundup

Excellence in business is a combination of passion, long hours, hard work, excellent customer service, great hiring techniques, loyalty and a whole bunch of other attributes that all businesses strive to achieve.

Some businesses do this to a degree that they are shining examples to be recognized and acclaimed.

The Rim Country Business Awards, developed by the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Gila County Economic Development Corporation and the Town of Payson Tourism, Parks and Recreation Department, are designed to highlight the businesses and business people who exemplify these qualities.

The fourth annual Rim Country Business Awards Committee wants to thank the many people who took the time to urge, nominate and support the businesses who are competing for the six awards for 2010.

Thirty-four businesses were nominated this year for the four categories.

Additionally, two new awards, the Jim Young Business Person of the Year and the Pat Willis Business Excellence Award have been added.

A seven-person panel of judges will judge all awards.

Winners will be crowned at the fourth annual Business Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on April 8, at the First Church of the Nazarene, 200 E. Tyler Parkway. Fargo’s Restaurant will cater the luncheon, and Safeway Markets will supply decorations.

Luncheon tickets are $25 for a single or $175 for a table of eight. Tickets are available for purchase at the Chamber of Commerce, at the intersection of Highway 87 and Main Street. The Chamber encourages all Rim Country residents to support local businesses and get tickets early for the event, as seats are limited.

This year’s awards are sponsored by the Rim Country Alliance, Good Samaritan Majestic Rim, Pioneer Title, National Bank of Arizona, PostNet, and the First Church of the Nazarene.

Nominees for the 2010 Rim Country Business Awards are as follows.

Small business of the year nominees:

Backstreet Salon; Bootleg Alley Antiques & Art; Colorz Salon; Dove’s Nest Computer Solutions; Edward Jones Investments; Healthy Perspectives, LLC; Jennifer’s Skin Care; Paper & Metal Scrappers, LLC; Payson Florist & Gifts; Payson Jewelers; Pine Deli, LLC; Plant Fair Nursery; PostNet; Quality Plus; Red Elephant Bakery Café; Scoops Ice Cream & Espresso; Smart Systems; The Herb Stop

Large business of the year nominees:

Gerardo’s Italian Bistro; Hospice Compassus; Karen’s Kare Bears, LLC; Macky’s Grill; National Bank of Arizona; Rimside Grill & Cabins; Tree Pro; Payson Regional Medical Center

Non-profit nominees (one or no paid employees):

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona — Payson Office; Friends of Payson Parks and Recreation; Library Friends of Payson; Rim Country Literacy Program; Rim Country Museum; Tonto Rim Search and Rescue; Senior Circle

Non–profit nominees (two or more paid employees):

Gila Community College