The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce hosted the 33rd Annual Small Business Awards on June 19 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield. The event, presented by Hickory Point Bank, recognized five outstanding community entrepreneurs in the following categories:

Not-for-Profit – Business Director of the Year recognizes an executive of a not-for-profit organization who has demonstrated the innovative use of organizational skills and management expertise to create or expand the organization’s results to the community. The 2018 recipient is Pamela Molitoris of Central Illinois Foodbank, Inc.

New & Emerging – Business Owner of the Year recognizes a business owner who has demonstrated outstanding performance through innovation, growth, staying power and contributions to the community and has been established for more than one and less than four years. The 2018 recipient is Tara Davlin Holcomb of The Farmstand by Willow City Farm.

Small Business – Owner of the Year recognizes a business owner who has demonstrated outstanding performance through innovation, growth, staying power and contributions to the community and has been established for four or more years with less than 100 employees. The 2018 recipient is Shaun Lambert of Lambert Custom Pools.

Lifetime Award – Business Owner of the Year recognizes a business owner whose for-profit company has been in business in Sangamon County for a minimum of 25 years and who has made significant contributions to commerce and the community. The 2018 recipients are Doug and Mike Sutton of Sutton’s.

Outstanding Civic Involvement – Business Owner of the Year recognizes a business owner who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, community stewardship and positive social and/or economic impact on the region. The 2018 recipients are Val and Chris Butler of Butler Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center.

Congratulations to all of this year's nominees and recipients!