Michelle Paraniuk, with m.a.c. Paran Consulting Services, receives the Innovative Best Business Practice Award from the Clermont Chamber of Commerce Feb. 7. From left are Small Business Development Center Director John Melvin, the UC Bearcat, Paraniuk, and previous winner Hank Pryor, with Kingdom Productions.

Michelle Paraniuk, with m.a.c. Paran Consulting Services, receives the Innovative Best Business Practice Award from the Clermont Chamber of Commerce Feb. 7. From left are Small Business Development Center Director John Melvin, the UC Bearcat, Paraniuk, and previous winner Hank Pryor, with Kingdom Productions.
By Kristin Rover
Sun staff

Five small local businesses were recognized by the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce Feb. 7 for their customer focus, innovative practices, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Superior Steel Service, Chick-fil-A, strategic HR, m.a.c Paran Consulting Services and A&P Technology were all recognized during the meeting.

John Melvin, director of the Chamber of Commerce Business Development Center, presented awards to representatives from the companies during the chamber’s annual meeting luncheon at Receptions in Eastgate.

Superior Steel Service received the Customer Focus Award for a business with fewer than 50 employees.

The Batavia company offers a variety of services including welding, structural support, custom painting, and design.

The award recognizes the company for implementing policies that demonstrate a commitment to customers by showing extreme attention to detail and follow up.

Jeff Brewsaugh received the award for the company during the ceremony.

“It is a privilege to be honored for something you believe in,” Brewsaugh said.

Chick-fil-A received the Customer Focus Award for a company with 51-250 employees.

The Eastgate restaurant was also recognized for showing a commitment to customers through the services provided by the restaurant on a daily basis.

Owners Tom and Callae Sutton received the award during the ceremony and gave credit to their wonderful employees as well as the great customers they have in Clermont County.

“We are very honored,” Tom Sutton said about receiving the award. “We are the face of a great group of people.”

strategicHR, a human resources consulting firm located in Loveland, received the Emerging Small Business Award this year.

The award recognizes an organization with entrepreneurial spirit that is positioning itself to grow substantially in the future.

Robin Throckmorton, president and executive HR strategist at the company, received the award during the ceremony.

m.a.c. Paran Consulting Services received the Innovative Best Business Practice Award for a company with fewer than 50 employees.

The Union Township company provides a variety of environmental services to customers including energy efficiency, renewable energy solutions, industrial hygiene, safety consulting, and more.

The Innovative Best Business Practice Award recognizes a company that demonstrates unique and innovative practices products or procedures.

Michelle Paraniuk, the founder of the company, received the award during the ceremony.

A&P Technology received the Innovative Best Business Practice Award for a company with 51-240 employees.

The Union Township company is a family-owned producer of precision braided textiles.

The company uses braiding machinery to produce products for many industries and uses including aviation, sports equipment, prosthetic devices, construction, and more.

Luke Domet, Chief Financial Officer at A&P Technology, thanked the chamber for the award.

“We don’t seek out awards but we are thrilled to be recognized,” Domet said.

Domet said they are glad to be a part of Clermont County.

“This is a really good environment to continue to grow,” he said.

Melvin said small business award recipients are selected by the chamber’s small business advisory team.

“It is not an easy procedure,” Melvin said.

He thanked the team for their hard work in selecting the award winners.

“We look forward to recognizing more great businesses next year,” Melvin said.