2016 EPIC Award Winners
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Excellence in Business
John Lowery, Applied Imaging
Applied ImagingFounded in 1987, Applied Imaging has achieved national recognition and growth with six Michigan locations by evolving printing, storage, and retrieval products along with managed services software solutions.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Wes Trimpe, Sluggers Sports Academy, LLC
Sluggers Sports Academy, LLCA community-based facility for baseball players to work and improve, Sluggers Sports Academy focused on a balance between sports success and molding young athletes into respectable citizens.
Small Business of the Year
Michael Kwast, i-Chiro Clinics
i-Chiro Clinicsi-Chiro Clinics provides natural healthcare solutions utilizing traditional chiropractic, computerized chiropractic, massage therapy, nutrition, exercise, stretching, ergonomics, and lifestyle changes to create the best quality of life possible.
Woman-Owned Business of the Year
Sandi Frost Steensma, |Kennari Consulting
Kennari ConsultingStarted in 2007, Kennari Consulting is one of Michigan’s largest full-service fundraising consulting firms helping non-profit organizations with customized “nuts and bolts” fundraising support.
Minority-Owned Business of the Year
Paola Mendivil and Mercedes Lopez-Duran, El Granjero Mexican Grill
El Granjero Mexican Grill Opened in 2007 on the Westside of Grand Rapids by Mercedes Lopez- Duran and family, El Granjero Mexican Grill offers authentic Mexican dishes with fresh ingredients, friendly service, and on-demand catering services.
Non-Profit of the Year
Nkechy Ekere Ezeh, Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative
Early Learning Neighborhood CollaborativeVested in changing the current reality of vulnerable children, ELNC is implementing an intentional preschool service system to provide, expand, and sustain the capacity of high-quality early childhood education.
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
Brad Laackman, Honor Construction
Honor ConstructionSince 2009, Honor Construction delivers big-business results and creative cost savings with a small SWAT team of managers, each an expert in various aspects of the construction field.