Chamber's Race for Large Business of the Year Ends in Tie

Florida Hospital North Pinellas and Ace Golf were both named the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year for 2012. 

HIstorically, the Tarpon Springs Chamber only selects a single business for each award category, from small to medium to large businesses. However, with two powerhouse large businesses, it was concluded that both deserved a nod. 

Sue Thomas, president of the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce, shared the judges' impressions of Florida Hospital North Pinellas.

“What really impressed them about the hospital is that they have worked so hard with the community, the foundation and the people," Thomas said. "They were really impressed with their passion.”

Thomas added that the main reason Ace Golf also received the award was, “due to their success and enthusiasm in turning around properties with their large investment in renovation for improvement and beautification. More than laying new sod, Ace Golf has partnered with the community to achieve mutual success.”

To win the award, businesses were nominated by chamber partners and members before completing an interview process. The process included a written application detailing the nominee's contributions to the community as well as showing how they overcome obstacles in their business and highlighting their's as an ethical business practice.

From there, judges from outside the city of Tarpon Springs were brought in to interview the businesses face to face. Once the application and interview process are complete, the judges cast their votes for each business category.