May 25, 2019
Four local businesses were recipients of the Truly the Best Business of the Year awards at the Chamber’s monthly membership luncheon on May 17. The Chamber awarded Business of the Year honors in four different categories, based on business size and type. The 2019 award recipients are: Developing Potential, Inc.; Fossil Forge Design; All A’ Bloom Flowers & Gifts; and Lead Bank.
Truly the Best Not for Profit – Developing Potential, Inc. (DPI) is a nationally accredited day habilitation program that has provided support services to adults with developmental disabilities in Jackson County since 1993. DPI employs the “gentle teaching” model to support individuals in reaching goals to become a part of their community, and partners with local businesses to offer meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities. DPI’s current Building Lives Campaign aims to raise $3.25 million to build a community-oriented, universally designed facility allowing more service choices close to home and increase overall service capacity by 40 percent.
Truly the Best 5 or Less Employees – Founded in 2003 by Dave Eames, Fossil Forge Design uses vintage tool and high tech equipment to make signs, furniture, sculptures, awards, railings, graphics and much more. The company puts a strong emphasis on community and relationships, and having a bit of fun while working hard. Eames, along with Ben Wine and Ryan Harp, are designers and visionaries, with unique skillsets that perfectly complement each other. Fossil Forge is located in downtown Lee’s Summit, and participates in a number of community events and cultural arts initiatives throughout the year.
Truly the Best 6-20 Employees – All A’ Bloom Flowers & Gifts has been in Lee’s Summit since 2004 and describes itself as innovative, creative and unique. Since new owner, Barbara Keller, took over in 2017, it has focused on creating a user-friendly web experience, including a new point-of-sale system. The company plans to expand its events with additional staff to ensure seamless transitions for customers. All A’ Bloom’s staff works together as a family with a passion for beautiful flower creations and our community.
Truly the Best 20+ Employees – Lead Bank opened its Lee’s Summit Branch in 2008 with the mission to be at the heart of success in our community. It is creating a unique bank footprint by addressing the micro-level needs of its communities while remaining innovative and nimble. The bank is dedicated to the community and offers programs focusing on women and children in crisis, entrepreneurship and cultural arts. In 2016, Lead Bank created the Civic Contractor Funding Program to provide underserved small businesses with funding. This unique program resulted in it being selected in 2018 to help fund the KCI Airport Single Terminal Project.
