Small Business of the Year Winners Announced!
June 03, 2016
At the Governor’s Small Business Forum hosted in Brenham on June 1, two local businesses received statewide distinction, having been selected as the “Small Business of the Year” for 2016. The awards were given out in two categories: businesses with 1-25 employees and those with 26-100. The forum was co-hosted by the Washington County Chamber, Burleson County Chamber, Grimes County Chamber and the Research Valley Partnership.
State Senator Lois Kolkhorst greeted everyone at the forum and commended all attendees for their dedication to serving the community. Secretary of State Carlos Cascos led the awards presentation and congratulated each award winner for their success and commitment to excellence.
For the Washington County awards, Chamber Board Chairman Kurt Alfred remarked that it was a difficult selection process, “because we are fortunate to have so many outstanding, involved and dedicated businesses in this community.” He explained that both of this year’s winners “truly stand out for their involvement in the community, support of local clubs and organizations, and dedication to growth of the local economy.
The first award (business size 1-25) was presented to Kwik Kopy Business Center. This small company specializes in printing, advertising, shipping and locally-made gifts, providing office support to many other businesses in the region. After a lifetime of big-city living, corporate careers and traveling the world, owners Sharon and Barry Brass fulfilled their dream to settle down in Washington County and opened the business in 2004, originally named Parcel Plus, with the goal of using their expertise to help other small businesses and individuals. As the business grew, it became widely known for its high-caliber printing and marketing services, and for its “local market.” The successful business was rebranded as KWIK KOPY Business Center in May of 2011, to better describe its core services to clients. As part of the company’s succession plan, brothers Chris and Michael Brewster are now taking over the business and have bright plans for the future.
The second award (business size 26-100) was presented to Glasco & Co. Landscaping. This company represents an enthusiastic team committed to the pursuit of total satisfaction for customers and employees. The company began in 1980 with just a single push-mower. That’s when Troy & Tami Glasco arrived in Brenham and began the small lawn business while Troy attended Blinn College. Troy had grown up maintaining a golf course founded by his father and developed an interest in landscaping. His love for the business and the community kept him in Brenham. Since then, the company has grown to employ over 70 men and women. Troy passed away in July 2014, but the family continues to operate the business with the standards he set: excellence, integrity and a strong work ethic.
Many distinguished speakers were featured at this event along with Secretary of State Cascos, including TWC Commissioner Ruth Hughs; Senator Lois Kolhorst, Trish Buck from Workforce Solutions of the Brazos Valley, economist Dale Craymer from TTRA, Dr. Thomas Tunstall from UTSA Institute for Economic Development, Anh Nguyen of Amplified Marketing, LaChristian Taylor from the Texas Commission for Women, and Brice Milliorn from Edward Jones, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Another Small Business Forum will be held in June 2017, and nominations will be sought in the spring for next year’s Small Business of the Year awards. See photos from today’s event on www.BrenhamTexas.com and www.facebook.com/washingtoncountychamber.
State Senator Lois Kolkhorst greeted everyone at the forum and commended all attendees for their dedication to serving the community. Secretary of State Carlos Cascos led the awards presentation and congratulated each award winner for their success and commitment to excellence.
For the Washington County awards, Chamber Board Chairman Kurt Alfred remarked that it was a difficult selection process, “because we are fortunate to have so many outstanding, involved and dedicated businesses in this community.” He explained that both of this year’s winners “truly stand out for their involvement in the community, support of local clubs and organizations, and dedication to growth of the local economy.
The first award (business size 1-25) was presented to Kwik Kopy Business Center. This small company specializes in printing, advertising, shipping and locally-made gifts, providing office support to many other businesses in the region. After a lifetime of big-city living, corporate careers and traveling the world, owners Sharon and Barry Brass fulfilled their dream to settle down in Washington County and opened the business in 2004, originally named Parcel Plus, with the goal of using their expertise to help other small businesses and individuals. As the business grew, it became widely known for its high-caliber printing and marketing services, and for its “local market.” The successful business was rebranded as KWIK KOPY Business Center in May of 2011, to better describe its core services to clients. As part of the company’s succession plan, brothers Chris and Michael Brewster are now taking over the business and have bright plans for the future.
The second award (business size 26-100) was presented to Glasco & Co. Landscaping. This company represents an enthusiastic team committed to the pursuit of total satisfaction for customers and employees. The company began in 1980 with just a single push-mower. That’s when Troy & Tami Glasco arrived in Brenham and began the small lawn business while Troy attended Blinn College. Troy had grown up maintaining a golf course founded by his father and developed an interest in landscaping. His love for the business and the community kept him in Brenham. Since then, the company has grown to employ over 70 men and women. Troy passed away in July 2014, but the family continues to operate the business with the standards he set: excellence, integrity and a strong work ethic.
Many distinguished speakers were featured at this event along with Secretary of State Cascos, including TWC Commissioner Ruth Hughs; Senator Lois Kolhorst, Trish Buck from Workforce Solutions of the Brazos Valley, economist Dale Craymer from TTRA, Dr. Thomas Tunstall from UTSA Institute for Economic Development, Anh Nguyen of Amplified Marketing, LaChristian Taylor from the Texas Commission for Women, and Brice Milliorn from Edward Jones, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Another Small Business Forum will be held in June 2017, and nominations will be sought in the spring for next year’s Small Business of the Year awards. See photos from today’s event on www.BrenhamTexas.com and www.facebook.com/washingtoncountychamber.
