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Award Winners were honored at our 2021 Awards Program

Nominate your family business for a 2022 Award!

Central Ohio’s Only Awards Program Celebrating Family Businesses

On Wednesday November 10, 2021 we gathered at the Hilton Easton in Columbus to celebrate the accomplishments of Central Ohio family businesses at the 23rd Annual Family Business Awards & Expo!

VIEW this year's award winners and check out the photo galleries below.

Conway Center members were invited to participate in the Family Business Expo preceding the Awards luncheon, providing them the opportunity to showcase their business, products, or services to hundreds of family business leaders and advisors. VIEW the directory of Expo participants.

The Awards luncheon honored recipients in categories consistent with the success and longevity of a family business: leadership, planning, communication, support and community service.

Thank you to our generous Award Sponsors: Columbus CEO, First Merchants, Gryphon Financial Partners, Taft/ and to our Media Sponsors: Morgan Stanley and Rider+Reinke Financial Group.

More than 300 companies have been honored during the past 23 years and represent many of Central Ohio’s finest family-owned businesses. The Conway Center for Family Business Awards Program annually recognizes family businesses that have:

Successfully transferred the leadership of the company from one generation to the next
Found a unique solution to a complex business problem
Made a contribution to our community
Gone above and beyond the call of duty to help an employee, customer or vendor

Nominations are now open for the November 16, 2022 Family Business Awards! Nominate a family business, including your own, by submitting the nomination form. Nominees do not have to be members of the Conway Center to be considered for an award.

All Award categories are listed at the bottom of this page, along with the online nomination form. Please contact us if you have any questions.

2021 Family Business Awards Honorees

Anderson Concrete

Mark Swepston - Atlas Butler

Accelerated Laboratory Logistics

Overmyer Hall Associates

5 Star Staffing

Integrated Building Systems

ms consultants

Fortin Ironworks

The Gordon Flesch Company

Integrated Leadership Systems

Lincoln Construction

Marker, Inc.

The Siekmann Company

Sullivan Solutions

George J. Igel & Co.

Oakland Nurseries

Regal Beverage Concepts

Hometown Service Center

Highlights for Children

Heartland Bank

Columbus Sign Company

Atlas Butler

Mid-State Bolt & Nut Co.

Modlich Monument Company

White Castle

Jon Eesley - Windsor Advisory Group

Richard Emens - Conway Center & EWJ&J Law

Katharine McConnell - Comfort Keepers

MDSolutions, Inc.

Schmidt's Sausage Haus

ODW Logistics

Proforma Strategic Promotions

2021 Family Business Expo & Candid Photos

Award Categories

Click to reveal category descriptions

Family Business of the Year

Recognizes a family business that has made a significant contribution to their industry or the Central Ohio business community. Winner in this category will be asked to give short remarks.

Nominate

Lifetime Achievement

Recognizes a family business leader who has made a significant contribution to their industry or the Central Ohio business community. Winner in this category will be asked to give short remarks.

Nominate

Milestone Achievement

Recognizes family businesses that have reached a significant milestone during the award year (longevity, business or other significant achievement).

Nominate

Community Engagement

For family businesses that have made a significant contribution to the Central Ohio community.

Nominate

Gratitude & Legacy

Recognizing individuals who have made substantial gifts to the Conway during life, and/or have included the Conway Center for Family Business in their estate plans.

Nominate

Re-Invention

Recognizes family businesses that have successfully adjusted their business strategy or focus to address a changing business climate or societal demands.

Nominate