Novi Chamber of Commerce Gives Out 2012 Business Awards

The announced the recipients of its annual business awards at its Toast of the Town Gala Friday night.

The event was held at the and included a strolling dinner, silent and live auctions, live music of Mainstreet Soul, and emcee "Big Al" Muskovitz.

Six businesses out of more than 20 applicants received a Business Recognition Award, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, City of Novi and Novi Rotary.

The businesses were judged by Novi Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews, Novi News Editor Cal Stone, President of Carrabba's Italian Grill and Chamber of Commerce Chair-Elect Jeff Wilk, Edward Jones Financial Advisor and Novi Rotary President-Elect Mark Whitfield, and Novi Patch Advertising Manager Susanne Spruit. 

The awards were broken up into three categories, and an award was given to a small business (fewer than 50 employees) and large business (more than 50 employees) in each category.

Winners are as follows:

Customer Service Excellence

Businesses that demonstrate a commitment to meeting customers’ needs. Company attributes could include the ability to interact effectively with customers from diverse cultural backgrounds and a passion that runs through the company to address customer service.

Small business winner:

Golf Tech has been in Novi for 20 years and was honored for its use of technology to help shoppers learn about and meet their needs.

Large business winner:

In 2011, Fox Run did a satisfaction survey that showed more than 90 percent of employees ranked Fox Run as the No. 1 location in which people wanted to work.

Best Place to Work

Businesses that create an optimal working environment for their employees. Examples could include businesses that have undertaken efforts to create a pleasant work environment, innovation or career advancement.

Small business winner: Shazaaam! Public Relations & Marketing 

Shazam was honored for having a culture where employees are rewarded for bringing forward new ideas and showing creativity.

Large business winner:

CRT provides billing and EMR systems services and has been in Southeast Michigan for more than 30 years.

Community Builder

Businesses that partner with others to enhance the Novi community. Partnerships could include involvement with schools, non-profits, service clubs or the city.

Small business winner: Digital Ink

Digital Ink was honored for having its employees spend time with senior citizens, teaching them how to use computers.

Large business winner:

Autodesk was recognized for its partnership with the Novi Community School District. The company works with sixth graders on its Tinkerbox application and supports the FIRST robotics program.

Business Ambassador of the Year

Novi Mayor Bob Gatt also gave out the Business Ambassador of the Year award to real estate agent Fil Superfisky.

The Business Ambassador award is given to someone who knows Novi well and contributes to the community.

Gatt said it took him just three seconds to come up with the person to win the award. He has known Superfisky for 40 years, and Superfisky has sold him a few houses and one to his daughter.

“He’s someone who talks about Novi the way I talk about Novi: with love,” Gatt said. “He knows Novi almost better than anybody else in the world.”