Maybe it was an omen when film crews from the Pure Michigan campaign office descended on Round Barn Winery in Baroda to film portions of Travel Michigan's upcoming fall campaign line up. With giant Hollywood style spotlights bathing the iconic Amish Round Barn on the sprawling grounds of the popular winery, and drone cameras soaring over the vineyards, it was as if the Round Barn team was ready for the big time.
They've certainly garnered plenty of recognition, but none can compare to the word today from the Michigan Small Business Development Center that Round Barn Winery is one of just 12 companies state wide to earn recognition this spring as one of the Best Small Business entities in all of Michigan.
Twelve companies that call Michigan home are being honored with the SBDC's Best Small Business Award this year. That is a Herculean feat, inasmuch as the original field of contenders comprised more than 5,000 small businesses that received confidential counseling in 2015 from the Small Business Development Center.
The winning dozen were identified by the judges based on their success in creating jobs, increasing sales, improving their business strategy and their involvement with the Michigan SBDC. The Moersch family, owners and operators of Round Barn Winery on Hills Road in Baroda, will be honored during National Small Business Week on May 5, 2016 at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala, held in Lansing.
Keith Brophy is State Director for the Michigan SBDC. He tells us, "This year's awardees have a significant impact on Michigan's economy." He adds, "What better time to celebrate these successful entrepreneurs than during National Small Business Week? We are excited to take the opportunity to recognize their success and cheer them on as they continue growing their business."
The 12 Best Small Business awardees were selected based on their growth and relationship with the Michigan SBDC. Award winners this year include:
- Round Barn Winery, Baroda
- Onara Enterprises, St. Charles
- West Side Decorating Center, Saginaw
- Arbor Teas, Ann Arbor
- Joy's Bridal Boutique, Port Huron
- MTW Industries, LLC, Mt. Pleasant
- Mrs. Glee's Gluten Free Foods, Hillman
- The Parsons Farm, Charlevoix
- Excel Medical Products, Wixom
- Canine to Five, Detroit
- Northern Sun Winery, Bark River
- Smart Bottoms, Ada
A panel of judges selected Mrs. Glee's Gluten Free Foods of Hillman as this year's Main Street USA award winner. The company produces certified gluten free cooking and baking products using Michigan-grown navy beans.
Jim LeCureux is CEO of Mrs. Glee's. He says, "The Main Street USA award provides recognition to the investors and employees for their hard work and focus on consistency and reliability in the production of high quality gluten-free products to our customer base." He adds, "The village of Hillman is a small town in Northeast Michigan, and Mrs. Glee's has provided a number of jobs to the area and is being recognized for that accomplishment."
The crew at Round Barn expressed pride, humility, honor and excitement over being selected for the award, indicating great excitement over attending the ceremonies next month to claim the honor.