Tier 1 (1-25 FTE)

Intake Studio

Intake Studio is a design-driven video production company which produces high-end television commercials locally, regionally and nationally. The business was established in 2004 by three partners focused on great product and great customer service.

Fun is a key ingredient to Intake Studio’s success. Employees enjoy flexible schedules and a relaxed environment designed to stir creativity. In 2007, revenue grew by more than fifty percent while profitability grew by more than one hundred twenty eight percent.

Tier 2 (26-100 FTE)

Ink Commercial Contractors

Ink Commercial Contractors is a medium-sized Commercial Contractor founded by Wink Hartman II in June 1996.

INK has nearly doubled its growth in the past four years due to the commitment their staff puts into each project. The committed and understanding relationships they form with clients are evident in the fact that seventy percent of business is with repeat clients. They take pride in clientele relying on INK’s expertise for opinions and involvement in their business.

2008 Top 10 Small Businesses of the Year

Tier 1: 1-25 Full Time Employees

Eberly Farm

Great Plains Communications                       

Hinman and Associates

Intake Studio

Museum of World Treasures

Tier 2: 26-100 Full Time Employees

F.H. Kaysing Company

Ink Commercial Contractors, LLC

LawKingdon Architecture

Mid American Credit Union

Spurrier Chemical Companies, Inc.

New Tiered Format for 2008 Awards

Five businesses from two tiers (1-25 employees and 26-100) will be selected to make up the Top 10 Small Businesses in the 2008 Wichita Metro Chamber Small Business Awards. We will then announce two winners of the Small Business of the Year - with one winner from each tier selected.

2008 Small Business Award Candidates

Learn more about these successful small businesses. See a brief description of the 2008 Small Business of the Year candidates.

Small Business Award Events

Small Business Awards Showcase: March 25
Join us on March 25 as we announce the 2008 Top 10 Small Businesses at the Awards Showcase.

Small Business Awards Sunrise Scramber: April 17
Learn from a panel of the Top 10 Small Business Awards finalists as they discuss key issues for small businesses.

Small Business Awards Luncheon: May 20
Recognition of the 2008 Top 10 Small Businesses and the announcement of the Tier 1 Small Business of the Year (1-25 employees) and the Tier 2 Small Business of the Year (26-100 employees).

Small Business Awards Over the Years

See past Small Business Award Honorees.

Award Criteria:

      • Be headquartered in the Wichita metro area.

      • Employ:
        Tier 1: 0-25 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employees
        Tier 2: 26-100 FTE employees.

      • A minimum of three years in business.

      • A commitment to good business practices.

      • Growth and/or sustainability in the number of employees and/or sales.

      • A history of good employee relations.

      • Service to the community.

      • Be a member of the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce at the time of
        application.

      • CEO/President must be available for all the events honoring the Top 10.

      • Cannot currently be in an appointed leadership position on The Chamber’s
         Board of Directors, small business program or other directly related position.

      • The judging committee will be the final arbitrator in any perceived
         or actual conflicts.

      • May not be considered a charitable organization.

An application and notification letter will be mailed to all nominated companies after Jan. 18, 2008. Nominate
as many companies as you wish using copies of this form. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 18, 2008.
Sponsoring companies are not allowed to submit an application. Those nominated will have the choice to
sponsor or submit an application. For more information, contact Kristy Vogel at kvogel@wichitachamber.org.