2010 Family Business Award Winners

The Conway Center for Family Business honored more than 20 family-owned businesses at its 12th Annual Family Business Awards Program on Friday, November 5th, at Catering By Design, 6465 Busch Boulevard.

The keynote address was provided by Central Ohio's Undercover Boss, Dave Rife, assistant vice president of White Castle System, Inc. Rife discussed "lessons learned" during the program and how he has applied those lessons at White Castle, a family-owned business.

The Family Business Awards Program was established in 1999 to recognize excellence in family business and has honored over 100 local family businesses during that time.

During the 2010 awards program, 28 family business were honored in seven categories:

Re-Invention - for family businesses that have successfully adjusted their business strategy to focus on or address a changing business climate or societal demands.

  • Eclipse Corporation
  • Gummer Wholesale
  • Robin Technologies
  • Sanese Services

Succession Planning - for family businesses that have developed or completed a succession plan or transferred leadership.

  • Converse Electric
  • Edwards Steel
  • Spartan Logistics
  • Velvet Ice Cream

Communication - for family businesses that have developed tools or strategies for effective communication within their company or with their family members regarding the business.

  • Artina Promotional Products
  • Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
  • Ohio Power Tool
  • Rent-A-John Portable Sanitation

Community Engagement - for family businesses that have made a significant contribution to the Central Ohio Community.

  • The Charles Penzone Salons
  • Donatos Pizza
  • Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service
  • White Castle System, Inc.

Outstanding Support of the Conway Center for Family Business

  • James R. Conway and Family

Outstanding Service to the Conway Center for Family Business

  • Norman Jones Enlow & Co.

Milestone Achievements - for family businesses that have reached a significant milestone during 2010.

  • 120 year anniversary
    Sutphen Corporation
  • 50 year anniversary
    Capitol Tunneling
    Converse Electric
    Mid-City Electric
  • 40 year anniversary
    Carmen's Distribution Systems
    Dublin Building Systems
  • 30 year anniversary
    Ohio Custodial Management Corp.
  • 25 year anniversary
    AmeriCheer
  • 20 year anniversary
    RICOP Construction
  • 10 year anniversary
    Earman and Wood CPAs

The 2010 Family Business Awards were sponsored by:

  • Business First
  • Chester, Willcox & Saxbe
  • Commerce National Bank
  • The Guth Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
  • Paul Werth Associates
  • Rider Financial
  • Webbed Marketing

For a complete listing of past winners from 1999-2010, click here.