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In keeping with the important role that small business plays in the American free enterprise system, each year the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes the finest of our area’s small businesses.
The public is encouraged to submit nominations. Any business you respect and admire would be a good candidate. Think of your friends, neighbors, clients, suppliers or competitors... in your opinion, do any of them exhibit exemplary entrepreneurial spirit, skill productivity, customer service, or have they made important contributions to the community?
| Previous Winners | |
| 2010 | Music World |
| 2009 | Jewell Hudgins Machine Company |
| 2008 | A-1 Party Rentals |
2010 Small Business of the Year
Music World named the 2010 Small Business Award WinnerMusic World was named the 2010 Small Business of the Year Award during the Sept. 3, 2010 First Friday Luncheon.
Owner Bonnie Dowdy was moved to tears and called the award “an honor.” Dowdy says winning the award came as a complete shock because she did not expect to be named the winner.
In 1984 music teacher Bonnie Dowdy founded Music World and set up shop in a 400 square-foot building located next to the Pines Theater. Rent was a whopping $125 per month. As her business grew, Dowdy moved Music World two more times before building her dream facility in 1998 on the loop with six teacher rooms. For over 20 years, Dowdy’s mother Mary Watson has worked six days a week at the shop. They work as a well-oiled machine, with Watson running the store while Dowdy gives piano lessons.
Music World has been a chamber member for 12 years and works in conjunction with the National Association of Music Merchants, Texas Music Teachers Association, American College of Musicians, and the Music Teachers National Association. Music World is heavily involved in community projects and Dowdy can be found at almost every Chamber function. The business has two full-time employees and five additional music teachers. Dowdy and Watson have always run their business on customer relations, so service has always been their number one priority. They have always treated their customers like family.
To qualify for the award, a business must employ less than 100 employees, be a privately-held company, have existed for at least three years in Angelina County, and be in good standing with the Chamber of Commerce. Several other qualities are examined, including the company’s involvement in community projects and nonprofit organizations, and the level of customer service.
The award ceremony highlighted five finalists which included:
- Dunn's Construction, LLC — Mark Dunn
- East Texas Asphalt Company, Ltd — Gene Carrier
- Everett Griffith, Jr. & Associates — Rick Freeman and Michael Parker
- Extreme Collision & Repair— John Flowers
- Music World — Bonnie Dowdy
Congratulations to all of the finalists. Each of them in their own way are part of what makes the American free enterprise system what it is and each is to be commended for what they do every day to impact their own lives as well as those of their employees.
The 2011 Small Business of the Year Award is Presented By:
City Wide Directories,LLC
Gold Sponsors
• Best Buy • Davis Insurance • Johnson Pools & Spas • What-A-Burger •
Silver Sponsors
• Alexander & Spencer P.C. • Edward Jones Investments - Vince Treadwell • Extreme Collision •
• Commercial Bank of Texas • Hunt Stone & Fireplace • Rite-Wiegh Scales •
