High Point chamber recognizes small business leaders

The High Point Chamber of Commerce gave out the 2007 small business awards during a luncheon held today in conjunction with the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs at the High Point Country Club.

Mayor Rebecca Smothers declared June 1, 2007 as Small Business Day in High Point.

The Small Business Advocate of the Year award went to 30-year banking veteran Bob Mitchell, city executive of Southern Community Bank.

John Chang, president of Spectrum Wireless, received the Minority Business Advocate of the Year award. Chang's company offers wireless phones through his 19 convenience stores.

The chamber gives two Small Business Person of the Year Awards, one to a company with fewer than 25 employees and one to a company with 25 to 60 employees.

Jim Stewart Sr., chairman of Williard-Stewart Inc., was given the 25-employees-or-less award. Williard-Stewart is a general contractor specializing in furniture market upfits for commercial buildings.

The second award was given to Sam Gianopoulos, owner and executive chef of Gianno's, Aquaria and Sammy G's restaurants. Gianopoulos is a second-generation restaurateur who became an executive chef at age 20.
Source : http://www.bizjournals.com