2012 GREATER AUSTIN BUSINESS AWARDS ANNOUNCED BY THE AUSTIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

On August 30, the Austin Chamber of Commerce recognized 23 winners from 100 finalists at the 12^th annual Greater Austin Business Awards at the Hilton Austin.

Winners of the 2012 Greater Austin Business Awards:

In the category of Innovative Practices, the Austin Chamber recognized any organization in any industry that employed new ideas or new approaches to doing business.

Large Division Winner: WhaleShark, Downtown Austin

Medium Division Winner: Image Microsystems, North Austin

Small Division Winner: TROPHYOLOGY, West Austin

In the category of Customer Service, the Austin Chamber recognized any organization in any industry dedicated to outstanding customer service and satisfaction in all aspects of sales and services.

Large Division Winner: Amplify Credit Union, Multiple Locations

Medium Division Winner: Chez Zee American Bistro, Northwest Austin

Small Division Winner: Maximum FX Salons Spas, South Central Austin

The Community Relations category is recognized by the Austin Chamber as any organization in any industry that demonstrated a successful approach to corporate social responsibility and can show a positive impact on the community.

Large Division Winner: 3M, Southwest Austin

Medium Division Winner: Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP, Downtown Austin

Small Division Winner: Oxford Commercial, Downtown Austin

The Austin Chamber recognizes the Environment category as any organization in any industry that demonstrated commitment to environmentally-sound practices.

Large Division Winner: Rackspace, Northeast Austin

Medium Division: uShip, Central Austin

Small Division Winner: Keep Austin Beautiful, East Austin

The Health & Wellness category recognized any organization in any industry that actively encouraged employees to engage in a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.

Large Division Winner: AMD, Southwest Austin

Medium Division Winner: University Co-operative Society, Multiple Locations

Small Division Winner: Snap Kitchen, Multiple Locations

In the category of Technology, the Austin Chamber recognized any organization in any industry that developed a product which was innovative and created a significant new opportunity for the company.

Large Division Winner: Luminex, Northwest Austin

Medium Division Winner: SolarBridge Technologies, North Austin

Small Division Winner: FireFly LED Lighting, Inc., North Austin

As defined by the Austin Chamber, the Non-Profit category recognized any Section 501(c)(3) public charity or private foundation that was tirelessly focused on serving the community and the partnerships built with for-profit organizations.

Winner: Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, West Austin

(In addition to the award, Non-Profit category winner HAAM received a $5,000 donation from Entrepreneurs Foundation and Blackbaud.)

The ‘Most Uniquely Austin’ Award goes to a company that embraces the unique Austin culture and exemplifies what it means to live and do business in Austin. This award was decided by live vote through text messages from present businesses.

Winner: Fantastic Magic Camp, Northeast Austin

The ‘Chairman’s Choice’ Awards were chosen from all categories as an overall best of show.

Large Division Winner: AMD, Southwest Austin

Medium Division Winner: SolarBridge Technologies, North Austin

Small Division Winner: Oxford Commercial, Downtown Austin

Presenting Sponsors for the Greater Austin Business Awards included The Hilton Austin and the Austin American-Statesman. The Gold Sponsor was General Motors. Category Sponsors included Texas Gas Service; CIGNA; Blackbaud; Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas; ABC Home & Commercial Services; Austin Energy; Cook-Walden Funeral Home; Samsung; CyrusOne; Time Warner Cable Business Class; and Live Oak Gottesman. Corporate Sponsors were Fowler Law Firm; HT Staffing; Oxford Commercial; Silicon Labs; and United Parcel Service.

The Austin Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, membership-driven organization comprised of 2,500 business enterprises, civic organizations, education institutions, and individuals. Its mission is to provide leadership that will help create regional economic prosperity and success for its members in Central Austin.

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