Coosa’s Pinhoti Outdoor Center awarded Small Business of Year
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Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, Grant Bruner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, BCA President and CEO Helena Duncan, and CCAA President and CEO Paige Hutto presents Nathan and Kimm Wright, representatives from Pinhoti Outdoor Center, with the Small Business of the Year Award. Photo submitted
Special to the News
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA), in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (Alabama Chambers), recently announced the winners of the 2023 Small Business of the Year Awards.
The awards ceremony occurred during The Partnership’s annual meeting at The Club in Birmingham, where 46 finalists were celebrated for their impact throughout the state and local communities.
Held less than a week after Small Business Saturday, the event highlighted the vital role small businesses play in the state’s economy by making up 99.4% of businesses in Alabama.
“The Small Business of the Year Awards exist to recognize, celebrate and promote small businesses for their notable efforts in supporting their communities and bettering our state. BCA is proud to honor some of our state’s most impressive small businesses as they exemplify resilience, passion, and commitment,” said BCA President and CEO Helena Duncan. “Local businesses are the sponsors you see on little league jerseys, high school football games, and community philanthropy events. They are the heart of Alabama communities and deserve to be celebrated every single day.”
Local chambers of commerce across the state submitted nominations for the Small Business of the Year Awards. The finalists were evaluated by a panel of out-of-state judges based on each business’s community involvement, chamber participation, business success, and overall deservedness.
“As we shine a spotlight on this year’s Small Business of the Year Award winners, we are reminded that small businesses are not just the backbone but the driving force behind a successful and resilient state economy,” said Paige Hutto, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. “All of the nominees, finalist and winners are stewards of their community and our state. Their dedication to elevating communities throughout Alabama is evident in all that they do and for that we are all grateful.”
This year’s awards featured four categories: Emerging Small Business, 1-10 Employees, 11-50 Employees, and 51-100 Employees.
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth joined the event, underlining the state’s commitment to recognizing and supporting the achievements of its small business community.
Among the winners was Coosa County’s own Pinhoti Outdoor Center, awarded Small Business of the Year (1-10 employees).
Established in January 2019, Pinhoti Outdoor Center provides planning, support, shuttle, and hostel services for those exploring the outdoor recreation areas around Sylacauga. Co-owners Kimm and Nathan Wright built their business with the mission to encourage, educate, empower, and facilitate people of all skill levels to confidently enjoy Alabama’s outdoor spaces.
Recognized as the go-to source for all things Pinhoti, the center has become an indispensable resource for visitors and hikers, offering amenities such as clothing, a kitchen, laundry, and lodging. Additionally, Pinhoti Outdoor Center actively promotes local businesses by providing shuttle services for hikers to patronize local restaurants and shops, collaborates with the Sylacauga Chamber to offer free hiker registration and contributes data to the local community about hiker demographics and numbers.
As the 2023 Alabama Small Business of the Year, Pinhoti Outdoor Center exemplifies the spirit of community, innovation and dedication by attracting tourism, supporting local businesses and instilling a deep appreciation for the region’s natural resources.
Other category winners included Emerging Small Business of the Year: Broadway Spinal Care of Sylacauga, Small Business of the Year (11-50 employees): Lawrence Paint & Hardware/Moseley Industrial of Troy, and Small Business of the Year (51-100 employees): Wiregrass Electric Cooperative of South Alabama.
