Lynn Imaging named Commerce Lexington Small Business of the Year

Five other small businesses also honored

Lynn Imaging was named the 2012 Small Business of the Year on Wednesday at Commerce Lexington Inc. Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 17, 2012) — Lynn Imaging was named the 2012 Small Business of the Year on Wednesday at Commerce Lexington Inc. Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon, presented by Forcht Bank.

The recipient of this year’s Legacy Award, Lynn Imaging was chosen among six different category winners as the Small Business of the Year. The company will now be submitted by the Bluegrass Small Business Development Center for state and national recognition through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

For 66 years, Lynn Imaging has been able to adapt to the changing economic times and advances in technology. What was started in 1946 by husband-and-wife team, Jack and Marcella Lynn, has now expanded to other markets and has 63 employees to serve its clients. In the late 1970’s, the business was passed to son J.L. Lynn and fellow Lafayette High School classmate Mike Carter, both of whom are still involved in the daily operations of Lynn Imaging.

In most cases, the Legacy Award is presented to a multi-generational business that includes one family, but Lynn Imaging’s staff includes multi-generations across two families. Also working at the business are J.L.’s daughter, Shelby Marshall, as well as Mike’s wife, Dottie, brother, Tommy, son Justin, and daughter Amanda Schoonover.

Lynn Blue Print was founded as a blue print and engineering supply company that served the needs of builders and surveyors. In 2001, the various operations of the company – Lynn Blue Print, Lynn Copies, and Lynn Color Graphics – were united under the Lynn Imaging name. Through the years, J.L. and Mike have led Lynn Imaging through the age of technology with the vision of keeping one eye on the horizon and one eye on the work at hand. In the end, it has been Lynn Imaging’s fast, reliable, and quality service that has kept customers coming back again and again.

“This year’s group of Salute to Small Business category award winners is very deserving of the honor, and altogether they boast more than 240 years in business right here in the Bluegrass,” said luncheon emcee Stephen Hillenmeyer, president of Stephen Hillenmeyer Landscape Services. “They have all shown that they have exceptional products or services, performed at a high level, led by example, have overcome challenges and setbacks, and have been gracious in their community outreach. Congratulations to Lynn Imaging and all of our award winners.”

2012 SMALL BUSINESS AWARD CATEGORY WINNERS:

Business Success Award Winner: Holifield Photography

Jim & Theresa Holifield, 171 Moore Drive, Lexington, KY 40503, Phone: (859) 276-2040

The Business Success Award recognizes a business for exceptional company operations, products and services, growth, response to adversity, and other unique aspects that set the business apart from its competition.

Innovation Award Winner: Bates Security, LLC / Sonitrol of Lexington, Inc.

Sonny & Pat Bates, 3166 Custer Drive, Lexington, KY 40517, Phone: (859) 244-4000

The Salute to Small Business Innovation Award recognizes companies that have demonstrated ability in adopting and utilizing technology to directly increase productivity, efficiency, revenue and/or profits.

Legacy Award Winner: Lynn Imaging

John L. Lynn, 328 Old Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507, Phone: (859) 255-1021

The Salute to Small Business Legacy Award is awarded to exceptional companies that have been in business for 25 years or more, multi-generational businesses, and/or past Commerce Lexington Salute to Small Business award winners.

Minority Business Award Winner: Holiday Inn Express, Northeast

Manish Patel, 1780 Sharkey Way, Lexington, KY 40511, Phone: (859) 231-0656

The Salute to Small Business Minority Business Award recognizes an outstanding minority-owned company for its exceptional products and services, growth, its response to adversity, and other unique aspects that set it apart from the competition.

Nonprofit Award Winner: OWL, Inc.

David Boggs, 650 Kennedy Road, Lexington, KY 40511, Phone: (859) 254-0576

The Salute to Small Business Non-Profit Award recognizes a non-profit organization that has shown significant impact and return on investment, the ability to inspire and engage volunteers, and ways to maximize its output and reach within the community.

Young Entrepreneur Award Winner: J&H Lanmark – The Outdoors Store

George R. Lathram II, 189 Moore Drive, Lexington, KY 40503, Phone: (859) 278-0730

The Salute to Small Business Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes an outstanding entrepreneur under the age of 35 for operating a small business for at least a three-year track record of success.