The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 31st Annual Mel Bedwell Small Businessperson of the Year Award. The award is given in memory of Mel Bedwell, remembered for his energy, determination, ingenuity, honesty, enthusiasm and loyalty - traits successful business owners share.
The 2025 Bedwell Small Businessperson of the Year Award will be given at a luncheon on Thursday, May 22, at 11:30 a.m., and will be held at the Museum & Cultural Center at 5ive Points. The event shines a light on small business owners, recognizing one individual who embodies the qualities of Mr. Bedwell. A sponsorship, Friends of Small Business, is available for this event for $500.
Selection criteria for the award include: a displayed growth in the number of employees, an increase in sales or volume, innovativeness of the product or service offered, thoughtful response to adversity, evidence of contributions by the nominee to aid community-oriented projects, and in business for at least three years.
A small business is one that employs fewer than 200 full-time employees and is locally owned and operated, specifically within the Chamber’s service area of Cleveland and Bradley County. The nominee must be a current member in good standing of the Chamber and must have been a member for at least one year before the deadline for nominations.
If you know of a deserving Chamber member, mail or deliver the completed nomination form to the Chamber by May 1, or email to Lisa Fain, VP of Operations, at LFain@clevelandchamber.com. Forms can be obtained by clicking "Downloadable Forms" in the menu at ClevelandChamber.com.
Tickets for the event can be purchased here.