OSPREY OBSERVER, INC.
VALRICO, FLORIDA

Small Business of the Year 2007 It was the who’s who of Brandon’s Business Community gathering in anticipation of announcing The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce (BCOM) winners of the 2007 Small Business of the Year award. This event has been going on for 27 years and President and CEO of BCOM Tammy Bracewell says, “Each year I am amazed at the quality of businesses that continue to come forward and be recognized in our community.” Bracewell explains, “These annual awards identify small area businesses that demonstrate leadership, positive growth, development, creativity, integrity, as well as a commitment to community service.” The nominees go through a very detailed application process Bracewell says, including outsourced judges reviewing applications, interviewing the candidates and visiting the finalist’s place of business. And now for the winners…In the category of businesses with 6-15 employees, Osprey Observer Newspapers walked away with the honor and Publisher Marie Gilmore had tears in her eyes as she, Associate Editor Kate Quesada and Office Manager Michelle Colesanti accepted the award. Gilmore started the newspaper as a one-page newsletter in FishHawk 6 years ago and it has grown to four editions with a circulation of more than 80,000 copies, along with a Website and the recent launch of MyOspreyTV. Quesada says, “I couldn’t be prouder of our staff that has always gone the extra mile to make this newspaper a success.” Colesanti has been with Gilmore since the beginning and says “Marie has an energy to make things happen; to put forth an idea and we have a great team to put it into action.” Colesanti also says “The Osprey Observer doesn’t just print community events, we as a team get involved in them, whether it is cleaning the highways or participating in fundraisers.” In the category of Home-Based Business, Dream Limousine drove it away with owner Jake Piascik saying “We were in shock to be able to win this award in our first year of being eligible, it is an honor.” Piascik’s wife and partner says, “It is a team effort, from the chauffeurs to the fleet manager, and they are all an extension of our company.” I.T. Computer Solutions won the 1-5 employees category with a very humble owner Jeff Sheffer saying “I feel really blessed and honored for our company to be thought of in such high regard.” Sheffer adds he was very surprised when his company name was called and says laughing, “I don’t remember much after that, even walking up to accept the award.” Kid’s Community College took the honors in the Minority or Woman Owned Business and CEO Tim Kilpatrick says “It feels good and is quite an honor to win the award, especially in our first year of eligibility, to not only be nominated but to be the recipient speaks volumes.” For a business with over 16 employees it was Creative Recycling Systems (CRS) that had it in the bag. Although COO Lisa Yob was not available for comment, as she was participating in the Breast Cancer 3-day walk benefiting the Susan G. Komen foundation, for the third year in a row. CRS Director of Marketing Wendy Plant says, “We consider this award a great honor and was proud to be in such good company with the other finalists.” Plant especially wants to thank the BCOM saying “It is such a good resource for the community and supporter of local business; I can’t thank them enough for all they have done throughout our company’s growth.” Osprey Observer Community Newspapers celebrates 10 years of publishing local, positive community news in the South East Hillsborough County area, and we couldn’t have done it without you! Needless to say, starting out as a one-sheet newsletter and home-based business and now, with two offices and publishing more than 200 pages in five monthly editions with a team of more than 25 people, it is a little bit of a different workplace environment here at the Osprey Observer. At the same time, it has been important for us as a company to stay current, trained and active in the changing economic market and with social media and technology, so that we aren’t left behind. For our business, this has included the addition of video, Facebook, an active, archived Website and the continuation of building our brand at events, festivals and with sponsorships in the community. In addition to our community office on Lithia Pinecrest Rd., we have leased a second space in our plaza to allow for our staff meetings. This is the Small Business Center which is also open to the public for small, intimate business meetings and trainings for up to 20 people and is a service to our customers. As a community newspaper, we find that this is what sets us apart and keeps our readers interested as we cover the news. We are supported 100 percent by local small businesses who support the free community newspaper and allow us to print and mail our editions each month. Without the support of these businesses, we wouldn’t have the staff to send to cover community events nor the community office to be the hub of local information. “My role has been very interesting, it has never been boring and I have grown over the years from doing billing to advertising and now settling into the editorial and writing side that I have found that I really enjoy.” In addition to concentrating on our main business, publishing newspapers that people read, we also have been active in our local chambers and encourage businesses to not just join, but actually get involved and attend events. The best advice we can give any small business owner, is to find your niche in what you do best, and be the best, treat every customer like your absolute best customer and follow the general small business rules that will set you apart: Be On Time – Send a Thank You Note – Follow Up – Stick to Your Core Business- Do Your Best Every Time. If it weren’t for our loyal readers, and avid business supporters, we couldn’t do what we do in the community. So from the Osprey Observer team, Thank You! Small Business of the Year