The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce will present the 28th Mel Bedwell Small Businessperson of the Year Award during the annual Small Business Month luncheon on Wednesday, May 26 at noon at the Museum Center at 5ive Points. The luncheon, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, will feature guest speaker Mitch Patel, founder of Vision Hospitality Group.
A native of Cleveland, Mr. Patel founded Vision Hospitality in 1997 with the goal of creating a company dedicated to excellence with a focus on community and family. Today Vision Hospitality holds a growing portfolio, including the company's first boutique hotel, The Edwin, and a pipeline of nine properties affiliated with premier brands such as Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International.
Mr. Patel has led Vision Hospitality to be the recipient of many awards, as well as industry media recognition in the fields of development, community service, design and achievement.
The Mel Bedwell Small Businessperson of the Year Award honors an outstanding small businessperson in Cleveland and Bradley County for their success in six areas: staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales, innovativeness of product or service offered, response to adversity, and evidence of contributions to the community. The award honors the memory of Mel Bedwell, who was known for his energy, determination, ingenuity, honesty, enthusiasm and loyalty—all traits necessary for a successful small business owner.
Individual tickets are $25; corporate tables of six are $175. Member businesses that would like to use admission credits should call the chamber office at 423-472-6587 to register.
Visit the community events calendar at
ClevelandChamber.com for more information and to register for the luncheon.