Cover Image: Steve Babin

The Madison Chamber of Commerce honored exceptional businesses and nonprofits on the evening of April 19 at their 2024 Best in Business Awards dinner and ceremony, held at the Space Camp Operations Center.

Area business owners were nominated for recognition in fourteen different categories, including Start-Up Business of the Year, Retail Small Business of the Year, and Best in Wellness.

At the event, Shari Moore, Vice President of Membership for the Madison Chamber, explained the selection process for the awards.

“An outside committee from several chambers of commerce across the southeast reviewed your applications,” Moore told the audience. “We are proud to announce that we have so many nominees and we are so honored to celebrate with you this evening.”

Kids to Love was awarded the Milestone Moment Award. Kids to Love was founded in 2004 by Lee Marshall to support children in foster care. The work done by Kids to Love has positively impacted the lives of over 300,000 children in the intervening years.

“We are honored to be recognized as the Milestone Moment of the Year through the Madison Chamber,” Marshall told the Huntsville Business Journal. “We were honored to champion legislation to amend Alabama’s Safe Haven law, allowing for baby boxes to be installed in fire stations across the state. Thank you to Madison leaders for being the first city to say YES!”

The Madison Chamber created the Spirit of Madison Award this year to recognize a Madison couple who make holistic contributions to the community.

“This year, we’ve added a surprise award focused on volunteering, community involvement, career success, and impact to our workforce in Madison,” said Michelle Epling, president of the Madison Chamber of Commerce. “Our chamber will continue to thrive because of individuals who invest in our community and believe in our mission at the Madison Chamber of Commerce.”

Steve and Alice Lessmann were honored with the Spirit of Madison Award. The Lessmanns, both veterans, founded Signalink, Inc. together. They are raising their two children in Madison. Signalink supports Madison City Schools and Alice, CEO of Signalink, serves on the Madison City Board of Education.

“At Signalink, we believe in the power of giving back and making a positive difference to our people, customers, and community,” Steve Lessmann told the Business Journal. “We are deeply humbled and grateful for this recognition of our efforts to serve and uplift our beloved community. This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of our team, as well as the unwavering support of our partners, customers, and our community at large. We are committed to continuing our efforts to support and enrich the lives of those around us, and this award only strengthens our resolve to do so.”

Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards were given to businesses with the highest scores across all fourteen categories.

Madison Mayor Paul Finley and Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon were on hand to announce the winner for Gold Business of the Year. That distinction went to the Madison Street Festival.

“It is an amazing night in the city of Madison,” said Mayor Paul Finley. “When you get up here and you look out you recognize quality. Just quality. When you have an event like this tonight there is no question that Madison wins.”

An after-party was held until midnight at Prohibition in Town Madison.