The Tulsa Small Business Connection held its third annual Small Business Summit and Awards Lunch, celebrating the impact of small business in northeast Oklahoma.

The Tulsa Regional Chamber created the Tulsa Small Business Connection with the mission to educate, empower and expand small business in northeast Oklahoma.

Small business makes up about 85 percent of business in our region, creates 2 out of every 3 jobs and supports 55,000 jobs, pouring money back into our communities.

The annual Crystal Star Awards honor the region’s small business leaders. The following businesses and individuals received Crystal Star Awards:

Small Business Person of the Year: Melinda Stinnett, Stinnett and Associates

Women in Business Champion: Sangita Patel Chaterjee, 3S Hospitality

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Dixie Agostino, Switchgear Search and Recruiting

Entrepreneurial Success: DJ Patterson, EcoGreen Mobile Detailing

Manufacturer of the Year: Brooke Hamilton, NPI

Veteran Business Champion: Travis Jones, Career Development Partners

Diversity Business Advocate: Stephanie Elder, Gallant Background Checks

Family Owned Business of the Year: Allison Dickens, Ludger’s Bavarian Cakery and Coffeehouse

Pioneer Award: Barrett Waller, Waller & Company Public Relations

Lifetime Achievement Award, Tier 1: White River Fish Market

Lifetime Achievement Award, Tier 2: Tulsa Area United Way

In addition to the Crystal Star Awards, the event featured keynote speakers Bill Graham, President of Graham Communications, and Brian Byrnes, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Local small business experts led breakout sessions in areas such as social media, leadership, customer service and sales training.

“The Summit is an opportunity for small businesses to be recognized for their impact in our community,” said Kent Williams, Chair of the Tulsa Small Business Connection. “It also provides the chance to connect small businesses to the resources they need to succeed and to other small business owners who have been in their shoes.” 

Crystal Star Award winners will be eligible to compete for Oklahoma SBA Awards.