ARLINGTON, TX – October 18, 2021 – The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of the 2021 Small Business of the Year Awards. Recipients were honored at the 16th Annual State of the City Address last week on October 13. This year, we added two new awards to better reflect our Chamber members and our community, minority-owned business and woman-owned business.
“It has been stated that there are three core values for success in small business – passion, empathy and innovation,” stated Michael Jacobson, President & CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. “All six of our small business award recipients this year exemplify those values to the fullest extent, and we are proud of their positive impacts on our economy and community.”
FOR-PROFIT RECIPIENTS
For 2021, our evaluators had a virtual tie when scoring our For-Profit category. Therefore, this year we are awarding two small businesses.
Digital Corporate Companies
Digital Corporate Companies was established in 2002. Ken Mattner, the president & founder of Digital Corp., used his 20+ years of experience in printing and servicing clients to create a business that delivers quality printed collateral, apparel, promotional products, signage and other services. With its current eight employees, Digital Corp. donates time and services to the community with causes like Mission Arlington, AISD schools, Vernon Wells Foundation, Arlington Police Foundation, Scouting, Boys & Girls Club and more.
PSK, LLP
PSK LLP began in 1964 with three employees. Now with 47 employees, award-winning PSK is nationally and locally known for superior CPA, accounting, Tax Auditing and consulting services. While focusing on churches and nonprofits in their early days, PSK has gained recognition in commercial and corporate services. PSK has a strong corporate belief in giving back to our community. A PSK Team built a home for Habitat for Humanity. In the past few years, you will find the staff at the Tarrant Area Food Bank, Mission Arlington Christmas Store, Arlington Life Shelter, hosting blood drives, and 20+ other nonprofit organizations.
NONPROFIT RECIPIENT: Arlington Charities
Arlington Charities has diversified tremendously since its inception 42 years ago. It began with a handful of volunteers distributing food to those in need and has expanded to providing utility assistance, case management, grocery delivery for seniors and those with mobility issues. holiday programs, mobile markets and access to mainstream benefits and nutrition education. Arlington Charities’ primary function remains leading the battle against hunger and poverty for Arlington residents and those with the Arlington ISD. With 296 volunteers, AC provided more than 156,000 service points of contact in 2020 – a threefold increase in the past five years. Arlington Charities partners with more than 30 entities, both nonprofit and for-profit, to identify and support their mission. Those organizations include Arlington Life Shelter, rotary, Lions. Urban Ministries, Meals on Wheels, Catholic Charities, and many more.
VETERAN-OWNED RECIPIENT: Jack Webb, Edward Jones
Jack Webb heads up a local office of Edward Jones with three employees. Jack served in the U.S. Army as a T.O.W. missile squad leader and gunner during Desert Storm. After his military service, he graduated from Oklahoma State with financial support from the G.I. Bill. He opened his Arlington Edward Jones office in 2014 and continues to further his education and expand his product and service offerings. Even during the pandemic, the Edward Jones office increased the assets under their care by 49%. Jack became active in the Chamber and 18-months ago was instrumental in launching the Chamber Veterans Business Council serving Veterans-owned businesses. He still holds the position as its Chair. Jack is also the past Chair of Leadership Arlington, VFW, Legion, Rotary, Dental Health Arlington, Arlington Field of Honor and many other organizations.
New for 2021 – WOMAN-OWNED RECIPIENT: Industrial Solutions Company
Industrial Solutions Company (ISC) was started in 2011 as a converter manufacturer of a disposable towel called “TUF” towel. ICS is now a wholesale distributer of safety supplies, gloves, cloth towels and janitorial supplies. Started by Barbara Oldums, it’s the only African American, Woman-Owned converter manufacturer in the country. ISC provides supplies to the Rangers, Trinity Metro, DFW Airport, Live! by Loews, Arlington Fire Department, Cowboys and others. In 2020, the Texas Rangers recognized ISC as the recipient of the Jackie Robinson Most Valuable Diverse Business Partner Award. Together with her husband Leonard, they founded Cornerstone World Outreach Ministries, they co-authored the book THE POWER WITHIN….Don’t Give Away Your Power and are active in numerous organizations elevating minority businesses throughout our community.
New for 2021 – MINORITY-OWNED RECIPIENT: Asia Times Square
The birth of Asia Times Square started in 1986 with the opening of Hong Kong Market Place, a 2,000 sq ft grocery store. Today, Asia Times Square has expanded to a 250,000 sq ft shopping mall with 50 businesses such as restaurants, professional services, retail and a 40,000 sq ft grocery store. Offering unique flavors from China, Vietnam, Korea, Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, Asia Times Square’s vision is to become THE Destination connecting cultures and communities. The owner and President Matthew Loh has strong ties to Arlington having spent most of his life here and graduating from UT Arlington. Creating the LOH Family Foundation, his family provides support throughout our community – Mission Arlington, Children First, Rotary, Viet Hope, Hand in Hand, churches, as well as various scholarships. While the LOH Foundation is his name, he believes it stands for, LOVE, OPPORTUNITY and HOPE for all.
CRITERIA
The Chamber’s criteria for selection as a Small Businesses of the Year include growth, relevant innovation and contributions to furthering the Chamber’s Mission “Together, We Champion Economic and Community Prosperity.” A group of distinguished business leaders in the greater Arlington area examined all completed applications to determine the winners this year.