Newman 10 Awards seeks 2012 nominations

Nominations are open for the 19th annual Bryan Rotary Club Newman 10 Business Performance Awards.

The awards recognize successful small businesses in Bryan-College Station for their economic impact they have on the Brazos Valley.

Awards committee member Rusleen Maurice said anyone in the community can nominate a business. Recommendations will be accepted until March 14.

Nominated companies will receive an application to submit competition information. The Lowry Mays College & Graduate School of Business at Texas A&M University calculates the sales growth for each of the qualifying applicants, ranks the Top 10 companies based on the percentage increase in sales, and then verifies the sales figures.

Ben Downs, chairman of Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce board, said the awards are based on objective, quantifiable measures.

"That's why the Newman 10 awards are so important," he said. "You don't get a Newman 10 award just because you showed up. You get it by worrying about payroll, worrying about your sales. You get it for working harder than the other people and sleeping a little less. You get it by thinking better."

Louis Newman, owner of Newman Printing Company, partnered with Rotary and the chamber in 1994 to institute the awards. The 10 top performers will be announced on June 6.

Brandon Spears, whose Republic Landscapes was named the fastest-growing business in Brazos County last year, said the award offers wonderful exposure for a local business

"It gives you a reward to yourself when you're working away on those long nights and you're not sleeping," he said.

Denese Freese of Fries Financial Services, whose company also was an award-winner last year, likewise touted the benefits of the honor.

"After the Newman 10 business awards we were really very surprised by the number of people who called us who were not referred by other clients," she said.

IN SHORT

* The Bryan Rotary Club Newman 10 Business Performance Awards Program

* To spotlight the top 10 successful small businesses in Bryan-College Station for significant contributions and economic impact they have on the Brazos Valley

* Nominations due: March 14

* Awards luncheon: June 6

* For more information on nominations or to get a form, go to newman10.com, bryanrotary.org, bcschamber.org or go to the Chamber of Commerce office at 4001 E. 29th St. Nominations may be submitted by the company itself, or by vendors, friends, business associates, employees or anyone who knows a company that deserves recognition.