Kevin Patterson. Photo by Johnny Quirin
The Grand Rapids Chamber has announced the winners of its EPIC awards.
The winners were announced yesterday at a sold-out event of more than 500 attendees at 20 Monroe Live downtown.
EPIC stands for entrepreneurial, progressive, innovative and collaborative.
The EPIC Awards recognize individuals and businesses that “foster community growth, demonstrate innovation and have championed alongside others as mentors and collaborators in our region.”
New to EPIC this year is a Creative Business of the Year and four organizations “making organizational strides in diversity, equity and inclusion.” The Diversity Visionary Award measures five criteria: leadership commitment; policies and practices; diverse talent; supplier diversity; and community engagement.
EPIC Award winners
Creative Business of the Year: Green Giftz
Emerging Leader: Kevin Patterson, BDO USA
Excellence in Business (for profit): Feyen Zylstra
Excellence in Business (nonprofit): John Ball Zoo
Minority-Owned Business of the Year: R&R Mechanical Services
Non-Profit of the Year: Affinity Mentoring
Small Business of the Year: Gordon Water Systems
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Alliant Enterprises
Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Pack Elephant
Diversity Visionary Award winners
Gentex Corporation
Praxis Packaging Solutions
Spectrum Health
West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology (WMCAT)