Wheaton company wins U.S. Chamber award

WASHINGTON - River City Roasters in Wheaton was among 100 companies that were winners in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's annual Dream Big Blue Ribbon Small Business Awards.

The winners were selected from a record number of applicants from communities across the nation and judged in four key categories: strategic planning, employee development, customer service, and community involvement.

On March 9, the chamber will announce seven regional finalists from among this year's Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners.

All of the winners will be honored at the 12th annual America's Small Business Summit, June 13-15 in Washington, D.C. During the summit, one regional finalist will receive the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club, and a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.

All winners are also eligible for the Community Excellence Award, which recognizes one business that has found notable success in the eyes of its community. The winner of that award will be decided through online public voting Feb. 18-March 4.

"Small businesses across America today face more economic and regulatory hurdles than ever before, but each of these outstanding companies is rising to the challenge," said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. "These Blue Ribbon Award winners have worked hard, taken risks, and achieved success, helping strengthen their communities and local economies."