5 Springfield small businesses named finalists for annual Chamber of Commerce award

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday announced the five finalists for the 2022 Small Business Award. 

The finalists — Audio Acoustics, Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, Cabinet Concepts by Design, hdesigngroup and Hold Fast Brewing — were recognized at the chamber's monthly "Good morning, Springfield!" event, which was held at Springfield Sign on Kearney Street.

The leaders of the company gathered on stage Thursday morning to discuss topics like business goals and things they are doing to help the community.

The finalists were determined based on written applications that include an essay on company history, management philosophy, responses to challenges, innovation in product and service offerings and contributions to the community. Entries are scored by an independent panel of judges, and the winner will be announced next month.

"These finalists are great pictures of what it takes to innovate, create and overcome unexpected challenges in ways that only make them stronger, and I think that inspires all of us," said Matt Morrow, president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber provided the following information about the 2022 Small Business Award finalists:

• Audio Acoustics was founded in 1968 as Springfield’s Muzak franchise. Over the subsequent decades, the company expanded into both audio and video equipment and services for individuals and businesses, and the company has grown its footprint to cover multiple states in the region.
• Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks has provided more than $7 million in direct financial assistance to breast cancer patients and their families since its founding in 2000. The organization has added a free screening mammogram program, a children’s fund, support groups and community education.
• Cabinet Concepts by Design designs, manufactures, delivers, and installs custom cabinets and closets mainly for the residential sector. Since it opened in 2007, it has moved from Nixa to Springfield and now employs more than double its original staff.
• hdesigngroup was founded in 2000 and provides architectural design, brand elevation, master planning and project management services. The company is licensed in 13 states including Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa and Nebraska.
• Hold Fast Brewing has quickly expanded since it opened in 2019. The company provides multiple beers and other drinks and operates a tap room seven days a week, partnering with area food trucks that offer accompanying food options.

The winner will be announced May 4 at an event at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center. The event will feature a keynote presentation from Curtis Marshall, CEO and co-founder of Tie & Timber Beer Co.

Ralph Green is a business reporter with the Springfield News-Leader. Contact him at RAGreen@gannett.com, by phone: (417-536-4061) or on Twitter at RalphGreenNL