Wetumpka Chamber

Cliff Williams / TPI Zap Pest Control’s Landon Bertarelli, right, speaks after the company was named best business with 10 to 50 employees.

It was “Good as Gold” at the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon as it honored businesses for their success.

Chamber executive director Shellie Phelps started working at the chamber six years ago and the annual luncheon has grown since then. 

PHOTOS: Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon

“We have more nominations for businesses of the year this year than we had signed up for our first luncheon,” Phelps said. “This is really amazing.”

Phelps noted it's the businesses and people that make the chamber successful.

“There are a number of wonderful businesses here,” Phelps said. “There are businesses that have thrived and, in some instances, survived some tough times. I've been able to watch the members of this organization continue to thrive. I simply try to stay out of the way.”

The chamber gave out three awards mirroring the Alabama Chamber of Commerce Awards — emerging business for those businesses three years old or younger, businesses with five to 10 employees and businesses with between 10 and 50 employees.

Phelps said all the businesses who won got multiple nominations from the community.

First up was Tiers of Sweetness for the emerging business award. The sisters had been baking at home when one year ago they opened up a store front on Company Street to serve up sweet treats.

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“It's truly an honor,” Cherryl Knighten said. “The community has welcomed us, and we just can't thank you enough. We'll be here for many, many more years.”

The GAB Salon was selected as business of the year in the small category. The salon is on Main Street in downtown and has been in business there for about 15 years.

“We have seen it come to life,” Paula Sargent said. “We have enjoyed being a part of downtown and the chamber.”

Zap Pest Control was selected as the business of the year with 10 to 50 employees. 

Phelps didn’t stop there. She noted one business didn’t qualify for the awards because it won last year and wasn’t eligible — Lil’ Farmhouse Market.

“We felt like we should recognize them anyway,” Phelps said. “They got more nominations than any of the businesses at 27.”  

Lil’ Farmhouse won the emerging business award last year.

New board members took an oath to serve the chamber. J.C. Webb was sworn in as the chamber’s new chairperson, taking the gavel from Marilyn Hawkins.