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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 | |
| 2012 | Audiological Services |
| 2011 | Alexander, Lankford, Hiers |
| 2010 | Music World |
| 2009 | Jewell Hudgins Machine Company |
| 2008 | A-1 Party Rentals |
2012 Small Business of the Year
Audiological Services Named Small Business of the YearAudiological Services in Lufkin received the 2012 Small Business of the Year Award at the September First Friday Luncheon.
The company was one of five finalists up for the award, along with Angelina Rehabilitation Center, Integra Insurance Services, Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Savvy, The Agency.
For 17 years, Audiological Services has been providing hearing health care and raising public awareness of the early signs, treatment and rehabilitation for hearing loss. The company has also been active in the community and the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce.
Owner Sally Mulbach and her husband, Don Mulbach, director of operations, send their staff to conventions and workshops to ensure they are highly trained and educated. They also encourage their staff members to serve the community.
Sally Mulbach accepted the award on behalf of the company, and was moved to receive the honor.
“This is lovely, and a huge surprise,” she said. “Thank you, Lufkin. We feel very blessed to have done as well as we have so far. We hope we continue. We’ve met so many nice people in this town, and we feel like we’re helping them. That’s what we do. ... We do feel like we’re changing people’s lives.”
Audiological Services has purchased and remodeled an office building in downtown Lufkin, held new marketing campaigns through advanced social media, and hired and trained new staff members.
Sally Mulbach is a board member of the Mosaic Center, Goodwill Industries and Love, INC. She is a member of First United Methodist Church, a past president of the Lufkin Rotary Club and a sponsor of the CASA Tour of Homes, and speaks at other organizations about hearing protection and hearing loss. Practice and Development representative Nancy Westbury is chairman of the Chamber Diplomats, a board member of CASA of the Pines and the Angelina Rotary Club, and serves on Leads Group, Salute to Healthcare and Women’s Networking Community.
According to a Chamber press release, the Audiological Services philosophy is that ,regardless of age, no hearing impairment is insignificant, and all warrant hearing management.
Ted Lankford from Alexander, Lankford and Hiers spoke on his experience receiving the 2011 Small Business of the Year Award. Lankford mentioned he did not expect the firm to win, but expressed his appreciation and plans to continue performing outstanding accounting services in the area.
“We have been very humbled by our selection last year, and our aim is to continue those things we have done in the past that have brought us to this point,” Lankford said. “We truly believe Angelina County is the best place for us to live, work and perform our services.”
The presenting sponsor for the year has been Lufkin Coca-Cola. The small business sponsors were City Wide Directories’ Chad Roberts and Lonnie Smith. The “Gold Sponsors” were Abeldt’s Gaslight Pharmacy, Best Buy, Davis Insurance Agency, Regions Bank, and Whataburger. The “Silver Sponsors” were Alexander and Spencer, Commercial Bank of Texas, Edward Jones/Vince Treadwell, Hunt Stone and Fireplace, Lee TranServices, Inc., Rite-Weigh Scales, Walmart, and Zimmerman Communications.
Jerry Huffman, Chamber president and CEO, congratulated all of the finalists for their hard work, and said they are the heart and soul of what The Chamber does.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to have you as neighbors, friends, and peers in the community,” Huffman said to the finalists. “We thank you very, very much for sharing your story with us, and congratulations again.”
The Small Business of the Year Award is Presented By:
City Wide Directories,LLC
Gold Sponsors
• Abeldt's Gaslight Pharmacy • Best Buy • Davis Insurance • Region's Bank •
Silver Sponsors
• Alexander & Spencer P.C. • Commercial Bank of Texas • Edward Jones Investments - Vince Treadwell
• Lee TranServices, Inc. • Walmart • Zimmerman Communications •
