News Releases

As a previous Small Business of the Year recipient, Blalock Walters is thrilled to congratulate the 41st annual awards winners named by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
This program recognizes small businesses and non-profit organizations for “quality and excellence” as exemplified by growth, productivity, customer service, job creation and overall contribution to the community.

This year there were 230 nominations and these seven winners were chosen from among the 90 finalists:

• Take Stock in Children of Manatee County
• Vet Care Express Animal Ambulance
• Crystal Clean Green Cleaning
• Ellenton Discount Pharmacy
• Florida Suncoast Real Estate Inc.
• Shake Station
• HOPE Family Services

Blalock Walters attorneys Mark Barnebey and Chuck Johnson serve on the Take Stock in Children of Manatee County board of directors and Matt Lapointe is a Take Stock mentor to a Bradenton 6th grader. “We are very thankful to the Chamber and excited to be recognized as a Nonprofit Business of the Year,” said Mark Barnebey, the immediate past chair of the board of directors. “This is a testament to the Take Stock In Children of Manatee County staff, mentors, students, donors and board members. Even during this COVID year, we have continued our efforts to improve the opportunities for long term success for our students and expand those opportunities to even more deserving students.”
Blalock Walters commends the Manatee Chamber of Commerce for their continued support and recognition of our community’s small businesses and organizations.

“It was an incredible celebration of resiliency, commitment, core values, generosity, and success,” said Jacki Dezelski, Chamber president and CEO. “It was remarkable to hear about the successes these businesses and nonprofits had in the face of many challenges. Without exception, the narratives shared about these award winners included an emphasis on serving clients at the highest level, sup-porting employees, rewarding excellence within their teams and a priority in giving back to the community.”