Central Ohio’s Only Awards Program Celebrating Family Businesses

On Wednesday November 15, 2023, we gathered at the Hilton Easton in Columbus to celebrate the accomplishments of Central Ohio family businesses at the 25th Annual Family Business Awards & Expo. This year also marks the Conway Center's 25th anniversary of providing education and resources to family-owned businesses. We appreciate all who came together to help us celebrate the outstanding family-owned businesses who were honored, and we appreciate your support of the Conway Center.

Our sold-out Expo kicked off the day with a wide variety of family business and service provider members showcasing their business, products, and services.

VIEW the Expo directory to see who all participated.

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

VIEW this year's award winners and check out the photo gallery at the bottom of this page.

Thank you to our generous premiere Award sponsors: First Merchants, Gryphon Financial Partners, and Taft/. Thank you also to our contributing sponsors Meaden & Moore and Porter Wright, and to our media sponsor Columbus CEO.

Over 375 companies have been honored in the past 25 years and represent many of Central Ohio's finest family-owned businesses. VIEW our past award winners.

Nominations are accepted year-round so nominate an individual or family business, including your own, by submitting the online nomination form for 2024. Note that nominees do not need to be current members of the Conway Center to be considered for an award.

All Award categories are listed below, along with a link to the online nomination form. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Mark your calendar! The 2024 Family Business Awards & Expo will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at the Hilton Easton.

Award Categories

Nominations are available year-round, and we are now accepting nominations for our 2024 program. Click on the categories below to view the description of each award.

Community Engagement

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

Nominate

Conway Center Champion

Recognizes organizations or individuals that have shown significant support to the success of the Conway Center or who have made substantial gifts during life, and/or have included the Conway Center for Family Business in their estate plans.

Nominate

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

J. Richard Emens 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 anniversary milestone during the award year.

Nominate

Next Gen Leader/Rising Star

Recognizes emerging leaders/next generation leaders who are making an impact in their business and in the Central Ohio business community. Both family AND non-family leaders are eligible for this award. The Next Gen award is for family members; the Rising Star award is for non-family leaders.

Nominate