> Medium Business of the Year :
Stepping Stones Preschool
Tamra Abercrombie took over as owner and director of Stepping Stones Preschool from her grandmother six years ago and has worked to create a space for quality child care that meets the standards she holds for her own children .
“ It was a mission to me to get in and make this daycare the best that it can be and I ’ m very proud of what it has become ,” she said .
A first-time nominee , Stepping Stones Preschool took home the honor of Medium Business of the Year in 2022 much to the surprise of Abercrombie .
“ I ’ ll be honest with you , I felt undeserving just because I know there ’ s so many great businesses in in Live Oak so I felt really , honestly , just undeserving . I was like , ‘ how ? How did I earn this when there ’ re so many wonderful businesses ?’ That was very humbling for me ,” she recalled .
“ I just appreciate the community support . We have been welcomed with open arms ,” Abercrombie added . “ I ’ m thankful for all of our children we ’ ve been able to serve , which has been hundreds of kids . Just thankful that they have chosen us and given us the opportunity to serve their children and it ’ s been more than I could ever dream of .”
> Small Business of the Year :
Edward Jones Investments
A financial planning firm helping clients with everything from planning for college to preparing for retirement ; assisting with investments and wealth management disabilities and everything in between , Edward Jones Investments has made enough of an impact in the Live Oak community to have been nominated for Small
Business of the Year three years in a row , finally taking home the winning title in 2022 .
“ If my branch was nominated three years in a row , we ’ re doing something right for our clients and that ’ s what ’ s most special to me ,” said Travis Henry who is a Certified Financial Planner with Edward Jones and is the Regional Leader and a General Partner with the firm .
“ I mean the accolade , that ’ s great . It ’ s nice to be recognized amongst peers and other businesses within the community , but ultimately . I think it boils down to just some gratification that that we ’ re doing the right things for our clients around the planning process and the customer service side of things ,” he said . “ If there was a message I want people to know is just how much I value the client relationships that I have , what they mean to me and my staff and ultimately , just thank you . Thank you for putting their trust in me . I think other than maybe somebody ’ s health , their wealth is probably one of the more important things so I don ’ t take that lightly that people place their trust in me to help them reach their financial goals and to place their trust in me with managing their wealth ,” Henry added . “ That doesn ’ t go unnoticed and this is just another testament of the job we ’ re doing .”
> Nonprofit of the Year :
Vivid Visions Inc .
Founded in 1995 , Vivid Visions Inc . is a domestic violence organization that offers shelter , food and clothing to survivors of domestic abuse as well as the provision of individual and group counseling , transportation and referrals and assistance with legal representation – efforts of which earned Vivid Visions the nomination and win of Nonprofit of the Year in 2022 .
“ We were so excited . We were excited to be nominated . We had been nominated before , but this time it was just , it was amazing to have people recognize us as Nonprofit of the Year and in helping victims of domestic violence that they recognize our services . They know we ’ re here and the community , the businesses and the chamber , everyone is so very supportive of our agency and the services that we provide ,” said Kathy White , who is the former Executive Director of the nonprofit – retiring from the position back in February .
In addition to thanking the community for their continued support , White notes that abuse is never acceptable and if you or someone you know is struggling or in need of assistance or someone to talk with , Vivid Visions Inc . is available in person or through their 24-hour hotline at ( 386 ) 364-2100 .
For information on the 2023 Business of the Year , visit the Chamber website at suwanneechamber . com .
2023-2024 | SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT 113