The town of Hope Mills is starting a monthly award to honor local small businesses.
At a recent meeting of the town’s board of commissioners, Mayor Jackie Warner appointed commissioners Meg Larson and Pat Edwards to head the committee that will screen the nominations and assist with making selections of which businesses to honor.
Larson feels the purpose of the award is to recognize the community’s small businesses for exceptional customer service and to showcase how they’ve gone above and beyond to give back to the community.
“I think it’s important to recognize their contributions and help promote economic development. ... They also provide a service that contributes to the quality of life for the citizens of Hope Mills,’’ Larson said.
She added Hope Mills is a community that works together, and the small businesses add to the hometown feel.
“The small businesses we have here have been around a long time,’’ she said. “It’s important to recognize them, that they’ve stuck it out. It’s hard to compete against the prices of some of those big box stores.’’
From her personal perspective, Larson said, small businesses offer a special opportunity to develop a close relationship between the employees and the consumers. “It’s like you have the ability to pick up the phone and say, ‘Hey Debbie, hey Robin,’” Larson said. “The customer service is obviously more intimate than when you go to a large store.’’
The town is soliciting nominations from local citizens for businesses to consider for the award. Forms that contain details on making a nomination are available at the Hope Mills Recreation Center or online at townofhopemills.com.
There are specific requirements for a business to be nominated that are listed on the form.
They include the following:
• Must be located with the town limits of Hope Mills.
• Must have fewer than 100 employees. • Must have been in business at least one year.
• Must have an active role in the community through community service and giving back to the community.
Larson said anyone with questions about the award can contact her and fellow commissioner Edwards. Their contact information is available at the town of Hope Mills website.
Photo: Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner appointed Commissioners Meg Larson (left) and Pat Edwards (right) to head up the new smallbusiness awards committee.