Businesses from all over valley honored

Despite its title, the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce's 2004 Business Excellence Awards honored only one business actually based in the city -- the Cannery at 2121 E. Craig Road.

"Our membership transcends all across the valley," said Sharon Powers, chamber president. "Our tag line is 'Connecting your business--north and beyond.' "

Other businesses honored at the chamber's June 24 awards ceremony were based in Henderson and southwest Las Vegas.

The Cannery was named Company of the Year.

"While only in business for a little over a year, (the Cannery) has shown incredible resiliency," said Powers. "They weathered the downturn in gaming business in 2002 and 2003. They showed a 30 percent increase in growth in 2003 even though construction along Craig Road significantly hampered many of the local businesses."

"The Cannery and its employees are committed to the North Las Vegas community and its growth," said Bill Wortman, Cannery principal. "We're honored to receive the award."

Hands Ink Advertising/PS Media president Peggy Smith knows something about weathering adversity. She has single-handedly managed the full-service advertising agency at Sahara Avenue and Jones Boulevard since her husband, Rick Smith, died years ago. The company, named Small Business of the Year by the chamber, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

"I was so overwhelmed," Smith said. "When I accepted the award, I said (my husband) would be very proud of all of us for continuing what he started."

Smith said her company was chosen because of the way she and her 15 employees have faced challenges and maintained positive attitudes.

"Between the business climate and the personal challenges, we just try to persevere in our work, be honest and do our best," she said.

"They continue to grow and succeed despite any downturns in the economy," Powers said.

Adventures in Advertising/Las Vegas is another business that continues to grow despite a sometimes tough business climate. The promotional marketing company's president, Jill Flanzraich, was named the chamber's Business Person of the Year. Flanzraich runs the company out of her Henderson home. She said her active involvement in the business community helped her earn the chamber award.

"I am the editor of Look North, the chamber's newsletter," she said. "I belong to about a dozen business and professional groups here in town."

Flanzraich also volunteers to talk to high school students about going into business.

"She does extensive charity and civic work," Powers said. "While she doesn't have a large corporate staff helping her to succeed, she has used her knowledge and intuition to continually grow her business."

The final chamber award, Excellence in Workforce Investment, was given to Sprint for its development of employee education and training programs, recognition programs, and its promotion of a work-life balance.

"(Sprint) is well known for being a worker-friendly corporation," Powers said.


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