In keeping with a now long-standing practice, the Ohio Small Business Development Center at the Clermont Chamber of Commerce (SBDC) is once again preparing to honor five local businesses for Business Excellence in 2014. The five indicated below will be honored as part of the Clermont Chamber’s Annual Meeting on February 6, 2015 at Holiday Inn & Suites Cincinnati Eastgate.

Excellence in Customer Service Awards – Recognizing organizations that have successfully implemented policies demonstrating a commitment to customers that exceeds expectations

Auxier Gas Inc.

Auxier Gas, Inc. was established in 1946 and is a 3rd generation company headquartered in Batavia, Ohio. Auxier specializes in supplying propane for residential and commercial purposes such as residential home heating, cooking, water heating and clothes drying, and commercial business heating, the operating of fork lifts and much more. Auxier proudly services 11 counties throughout Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

Auxier Gas’ main concern is quality service and savings. They offer this Customer Service Pledge – On behalf of the associates of Auxier Gas, we promise to deliver outstanding service through knowledgeable associates who will treat you with Courtesy, Dignity and Respect every time you do business with us. You have my personal commitment that we will deliver on this promise. – W. Douglas Auxier

Clermont County Public Library

Clermont County Public Library began library service in 1955, with a bookmobile and a small office as its first facilities. Since then, the library system has expanded to 10 locations, achieving a goal of the Library Board to have a library within fifteen minutes driving time of all Clermont County residents.

The mission of Clermont County Public Library is to foster lifelong learning by providing resources that inform, programs that engage and ideas that inspire.

Core Values

Access: We strive to meet the needs and interests of our patrons by promoting and providing access to library resources and programs.

Service: We aim to anticipate individual needs and exceed expectations in delivering quality customer service.

Diversity: We respect the needs and points of view of individuals in our communities and are committed to diversity in our collections and programs.

Education: We support the educational and literacy goals of our communities and individuals engaged in lifelong learning.

Integrity: We are responsible stewards of the library’s assets and follow ethical practices to accomplish our goals.

Excellence in Innovation Awards – Recognizing organizations demonstrating unique and inventive practices, products or procedures

Grant Career Center

The mission of Grant Career Center is to prepare youth and adults with employability practices, academic preparation, and technical skills to become productive capable citizens to pursue educational opportunities and profitable enjoyable careers. Located in Bethel, Grant Career Center is the smallest vocational system in the state, servicing the home school districts of Bethel-Tate, Felicity, New Richmond and Williamsburg.

Grant is rated one of Ohio’s top 5 schools in academic achievement and post-graduation success.

In recent years, Grant has responded to the changing needs of employers in the community by adding an equine science program in its new Animal Science Facility, by upgrading its information technology program and by expanding its metal fabrication and welding program. Grant also encourages lifelong learning through its adult programs that include special low rates for seniors. The adult program plans include an updated welding program in response to the dramatic need that local businesses have for trained welders.

AIM MRO

Founded in 1993, AIM MRO has cultivated a strong presence in the materials supply chain of the Maintenance, Repair and Operating supplies sector of the aerospace industry by offering value-added material management solutions for consumable products and developing innovative component repair products which enable significant cost saving opportunities for repair and overhaul customers. AIM MRO is truly differentiated from other suppliers by the fact that they are the first and only supplier that offers a “one stop shop” for component repair materials.

AIM MRO has enjoyed great success in leveraging an analytical approach to integrating the multi-site material spend for global component repair operations and implementing corresponding supply programs to deliver significant value. In addition, the AIM MRO engineering group develops customized component repair solutions and manufactures these products competitively — delivering significant savings for their repair and overhaul customers.

AIM MRO is completing an expansion project and adding new equipment at its site in Miami Township.

Emerging Excellence Award – Recognizing organizations with entrepreneurial spirit that are positioning to grow substantially into the future.

Mt Carmel Brewing Company

It began in the storm cellar of a home built in 1924 where a stainless steel kettle and a family’s dedication formed the cornerstone of Mt. Carmel Brewing Company. Established in 2005 by Mike and Kathleen Dewey, MCBC is Cincinnati’s oldest craft microbrewery and continues to advance the frontier. What once was a small two-vessel system nestled in the storm cellar of their home has since expanded into a 40 barrel brewhouse.

Production responsibly grows from the same address where it all began with each of their brewing practices cellared in a tradition of quality and enjoyment. The home that once raised two kids has now welcomed a family of dedicated dreamers whose inspired craft is now bottled in 6-packs, kegs and in Porch Packs. Growlers are also available direct from the brewery with their beers poured direct from the taps of their Public House. The brewery home is located in Mt. Carmel with plans already in place for an expanded Public House and additional parking.

Fourteen years ago, the Clermont Chamber of Commerce followed up on a recommendation from the U. S. Chamber of Commerce that its member recognition program be enhanced and expanded beyond the long-standing Pacesetter Awards. A task force made up of chamber members and chamber staff came back with five award categories, all aligned to recognize the best of the small businesses that made up over 80% of the chamber’s membership. The first of those awards were presented at the chamber’s annual meeting in 2001. The awards have been tweaked over the years, but the goal and the timing have remained constant.

Nominations are requested in the fall of each year and then reviewed by a selection committee with the responsibility of selecting the most deserving honorees.