Carlsbad Village business owners announced as winners in the 2017 Small Business Awards

October 23, 2017

Each year the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce recognizes small businesses that are making a difference in the Carlsbad community. Home to a wide range of innovative startups and small businesses, the City supports companies that create positive change and enhance the local economy. The 2017 Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards selected recipients based on their accomplishments. The categories included Sustainability, Excellence in Professional Services, Workplace MVP, Innovation in Small Business, Woman-Owned Business, Community Impact, Best Marketing Practices and Leadership Development.

This year, the Chamber announced several Carlsbad Village businesses as award recipients. Andreea Borcea of Clever Element received a Sustainability Award for the companies’ sustainable practices. Clever Element provides a place and opportunity for artisans to share their craft. Products featured in the shop are eco-friendly and are typically created out of reclaimed and/or salvaged materials.

Osbelia “Bell” Gonzalez of Gohl Clinic of Chiropractic was selected as one of the Workplace MVP recipients. The companies’ analysis and adjusting procedure differentiate it from others in the field.

Greg Houlgate of Oska Wellness was the recipient for the Innovation in Small Business Award. The company develops health and wellness technology products that help individuals live a healthy, active lifestyle.

The Woman-Owned Business Award went out to Cheri Poulos of Carlsbad Food Tours. During the walking tours in the Village, residents taste some of the city’s delicacies while experiencing the culture and history of the City.

Additional award recipients include Novaste LLC for Excellence in Professional Services, Erin Scheriff of Fortis Fitness and Strength Training & YOGALUX for Workplace MVP, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Discovery Center for Community Impact, Sullivan Solar Power for Best Marketing Practices and Servant Leadership Institute for Leadership Development.

Each small business awarded makes a significant contribution to the local economy. Small businesses increase employment rates in Carlsbad and throughout the country. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than 6.8 million individuals in California are employed by a small business.