Well, March 24 was time for our annual celebration once again, and we’re still excited about the evening’s awards. At the 11th Annual Entrepreneurial Awards of Greater Lansing, we recognized many outstanding examples of businesses and entrepreneurs who work hard, flourish, employ area people, grow and contribute in a very positive manner to this wonderful economy we enjoy in mid-Michigan. 

There are many people to thank. First, our sponsors: Andrews, Hooper & Pavlik, PLC; Capitol National Bank; G.E.E! Communications; Maner, Costerisan & Ellis, PC; Michigan Equities; Plante & Moran, PLLC; Radisson Hotel Lansing; Symbiosis International; TDS Metrocom; Unforgettable 1320 WILS and WILX TV-10. An event such as this could not occur without their valuable support. Next, our judges: Stacy Adado. Bruce Dunn, Sarina Gleason, Shawn Grady, Kenric Hall, Mark Hooper, Mac MacDonald, Larry Meyer, John O’Brien, Jim Shrier and Ronda Thompson. It is the result of their hard work, expertise and recognition of excellence that we were able to determine this year’s winners. A big thank-you to co-host Adela Uchida from WILX for bringing grace and professionalism to the stage. I especially thank Stacy Adado and the rest of The Greater Lansing Business Monthly staff. They all believe so firmly and so wholeheartedly in this recognition evening that it has grown to be a premier event in the Greater Lansing area, and, as a result, a valuable tool for our marketplace. A special thank-you to those most essential to the process and the evening, as all depends on their accomplishments: the entrepreneurs!

With big business shrinking, with major employers laying off on almost a daily basis, it is the entrepreneur, the small businessperson, who is going to have to replace those jobs through the success of their small businesses. We hope to encourage them with this annual recognition event. Congratulations to the 2005 winners, along with former winners, many of whom continue to remain involved with this event and who lend their encouragement to new entrepreneurs. It’s an indication of the fine quality of the members of our Greater Lansing business community.

Thanks again for being part of The Greater Lansing Business Monthly family; as always, we wish you a prosperous month.

		Chris Holman Publisher