BEST SIGNAGE COMPANY

FastSigns is committed to utilizing the best technology and manufacturing processes to produce its customers’ signs. “We are here to help customers brand and identify their businesses,” President Kay Doyle says. “We are grateful that our customers trust us to make their visions real. We put shape and form and substance into how they want to portray their businesses, sell their items or promote their events.” In April Doyle was honored by the Cleveland chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners as one of the top 10 woman-owned businesses of Northeast Ohio.” For more information: fastsigns.com/333

BEST GIFT COMPANY

Team Promotions is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year after experiencing a “marathon of activity” in 2009, President Hank Frisch says. The company hosted Event Expo and several other functions while remaining dedicated to the events industry. Officials donated products to Glenville High School, and employees were encouraged to take continuing education classes. Frisch served on the boards of the Hospitality Sales Managers Association International and the Sales and Marketing Executives of Cleveland. “We believe in our medium and know how to maximize value and quantity and accomplish the desired results,” he says. For more information: teampromotions.com

BEST AWARDS COMPANY

Gino’s Awards will remember 2009 as the year it was the only Cleveland-area awards dealer to receive the Hall of Fame Award from the Awards and Recognition Association. “We set ourselves apart by providing five-star personalized service, any customization, and the intellectual capital of 59 years to create awards that are both distinct yet reasonably priced,” owner Gino Zavarella says. “We have the latest equipment and processes, a full in-house graphics art department, and the intellectual capital to assist and create awards for our clients that will reflect well on them and on their company or organization.” For more information: ginosawards.com

BEST DESTINATION

Corporate College in Warrensville Heights continues to work with small start-up organizations and some of the largest organizations in the region. The school features high-tech conference and meeting event space and an onsite audio visual technician, IT support, and hospitality staff. “Our clients tell us that planning their events was fun and easy because we focus on being their partner in planning,” Director of Event Services Amy Janos says. “We will handle everything from coordinating the catering from our award-winning partner, Sammy’s, to securing audio visual and technology needs.” For more information: corporatecollege.com

BEST TRADITIONAL VENUE

Kalahari Resorts relies on creativity to attract organizations who, in the process of rewarding their clients and employees, want to lessen their expenses but not their standards. The Sandusky-based indoor/outdoor resort in 2009 offered discounted rates on less-frequented dates. Its culinary team and Safari Adventures Park department developed unique themes. Fundraisers were particularly successful, according to Kalahari, with charities reporting “best ever” results in 2009. This year there will be more team-building options, both indoors and outdoors, Marketing Manager Kristann Hartley says. For more information: kalahariresorts.com/oh

BEST NONTRADITIONAL VENUE

Cadillac Ranch and BarRoom Cleveland had been open only a few months when the 2009 New Year rang. “What made the year so special was the support from the community as a new vendor and property in downtown Cleveland,” Special Events Sales and Marketing Manager Shannon Ellison says. “We were able to host many larger fundraisers for Cleveland charities due to our large size. We have three venues under one roof. In a Cleveland winter this is especially important so that you do not have to go outside to experience something new.” For more information: cadillacranchgroup.com/clevelandhtml

BEST FUNDRAISER

Pink the Rink took place for the first time March 21, 2009, at Quicken Loans Arena. The host Lake Erie Monsters teamed with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to promote breast cancer awareness. Officials painted the ice pink, and the team wore pink jerseys that were auctioned after the game. All fans were given pink ribbons to show their support. Proceeds from the auction and ticket sales — totaling more than $10,000 —went to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Northeast Ohio affiliate. “It was a truly memorable and unique event that the Monsters look forward to continuing for years to come,” Communications Manager Sarah Jamieson says. For more information: lakeeriemonsters.com

BEST SPEAKER

Hugh Littleton, a senior training specialist at Corporate College, in March of 2009 helped launch the school’s Leadership and Professional Development Institute program in partnership with the Disney Institute of the Walt Disney organization. “The success of our business depends upon employees’ competency in core skill areas,” Littleton says. “Competent, confident employees experience higher morale and job satisfaction, so organizations retain top-ranked workers longer. Your staff can complete key certification, license, registration, and professional development programs all in one easy-to-access curriculum.” For more information: corporatecollege.com

BEST GOLF OUTING

The Suicide Prevention Education Alliance of Northeast Ohio attracts marquee names to its annual golf tournament, thanks in large to Lyman H. “Tim” Treadway, who founded the tournament after losing his son to suicide. “SPEA’s golf tournament benefactors are truly the who’s who of Cleveland’s East Side,” SPEA Director of Special Events Marti Neveu says. “The tournament continues to be successful because people enjoy themselves on the course and reach into their pockets to support our lifesaving mission.” The 2009 tournament occurred June 23 at Little Mountain Country Club in Concord, Ohio. For more information: helppreventsuicide.org

BEST STAGING/VIDEO COMPANY

Rock the House celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2009, a particularly satisfying accomplishment to the seven full-time employees, five of whom have been with the company from the start. Rock the House produced its best events ever while combining the aspects of entertainment, multimedia, and production. When it came to developing a new Web site, employees locked themselves in hotel rooms on a Sunday and didn’t step foot outside until the site was finished the next Wednesday. “We are really just a group of young entrepreneurs who love what we do,” Creative and Talent Director Ryan Konikoff says. For more information: rthgroup.com

BEST RENTAL COMPANY

Event Source made immediacy its bread and butter in 2009. “We saw our business grow because we were prepared and flexible in meeting immediate needs,” Director of Business Development Rick Turner says. “Event Source is able to respond to last-minute orders, changes, and even mid-delivery changes through a well-orchestrated, ‘whole event’ approach in which customer service representatives, dispatch, and delivery teams all understand and work toward the success of the event.” Event Source instituted an online order building system, offering instantaneous planning. Customers can track event information and delivery options online. For more information: eventsource.net

BEST TRADESHOW COMPANY

Skyline Event Services continued to invest in research and development in 2009 despite the economy. The company introduced 17 new products and increased its number of U.S. patents to more than 60. “We’d like everyone to know that we have the best employees in this industry, most of whom have been with our organization for over 10 years,” Vice President of Marketing and Sales Kristie Damalas says. “That means they understand the issues that our clients face before, during, and after their trade show or event. They know how to help our clients have a successful trade show or event.” For more information: cleveland.skyline.com

BEST WOMEN'S NETWORKING GROUP

The Knowledgeable Network of Women grew to more than 200 members in 2009. It hosted four quarterly speaker programs, held its first KNOW Member Business Showcase, and started a program called “KNOW on the GO,” in which members got together in smaller groups to build stronger relationships. Established in 2004 by the Greater Akron Chamber, KNOW attempts to create a synergy and format in which businesswomen can grow professionally. “Celebrating our sixth year of programming, we can say that our vision has remained unchanged,” program manager Theresa Byers says. For more information: greaterakronchamber.org

BEST NETWORKING GROUP

The Sales and Marketing Executives of Cleveland proved its worth in 2009. As several members lost their jobs, they were able to stay connected to the business community, thanks in part to free memberships during their transitions. Vice President of Marketing Nicole Burke, laid off in February 2009, speaks from personal experience: “Thanks to the well-connected, supportive, and successful membership of SME, in a matter of minutes after receiving my email that I was seeking a new opportunity, I had offers to help with resumes, to connect me with companies, and never-ending encouragement.” For more information: smecleveland.com

BEST NETWORKING EVENT

Event Expo enjoyed, “by far,” its biggest show ever in 2009, according to co-director Rick Turner. “We loved having the House of Blues as our home, and the staff there made the day very, very easy from a logistical standpoint,” Turner says. Internationally renowned event planner Michael Cerbelli, who offered the keynote presentation last year, returns for this year’s April 29 event. “We are fortunate to be surrounded by some really talented individuals who work for some amazing companies, and (co-director Hank Frisch) and I are just so blown away by the community that has built itself around Event Expo.” For more information: eventplannersexpo.com

BEST ONSITE CATERER

Sammy’s couldn’t wait for 2010 to arrive, and not just because it marks the catering company’s 30th anniversary in business. “We had a record sales year in 2008, but in 2009 the Northeast Ohio hospitality market markedly weakened, as did the rest of the economy,” owner Denise Fugo says. Weddings that were normally planned a year in advance were planned in three to six months. Corporate events normally planned six months out were planned within a month. “We are blessed to have survived 2009 and blessed to have such a wonderful and talented team to work with,” Fugo says. For more information: sammys.com

BEST OFFSITE CATERER

Sammy’s employs a team that enjoys a passion for great foods and beverages, service, decor, ambiance and management leadership, owner Denise Fugo says. “Our mission’s focus since 1980 has been to bring world-class food and beverage to Northeast Ohio through outstanding customer service, teamwork, and performance,” she says. “From our little corner on West 10th Street, the Sammy’s team creates incredible foods for you and your guests to enjoy. We thank God every day for our customers and their continued success. We need to keep our talented team working.” For more information: sammys.com

BEST FLORIST

Pieter Bouterse likes to surprise his new customers. “Many first-time clients expect our strength to only be focused on floral design,” the president and creative director says. “We began as an importer of flowers in 1982, and our organization has grown and expanded to encompass not only floral design but also a comprehensive service of planning, building, sewing, painting and execution. We carry a ‘one vendor’ appeal, devised to add ease to the process whether it is the first event a client is planning or if it’s an annual occurrence. Each client and each project are approached to make the experience unique and personable.” For more information: pb-studio.com

BEST EVENT PLANNER

Durga Chigurupati, the president of Adhya Productions, considers 2009 a stepping stone for her company, which caters to the corporate and social sectors while offering floral design and stationery services. “The past year has brought me closer to realizing my dream of consolidating event-planning services under one roof,” she says. “I have had the good fortune of working with many wonderful clients in the course of the year and am excited about the new opportunities in the coming year.” What sets apart Adhya Productions, according to Chigurupati, is attention to detail, creativity, and sense of style. For more information: adhyaproductions.com

BEST ENTERTAINER

Rock the House takes the stage with an unselfish agenda. The shows that the Oakwood Village-based company hosts belong entirely to its clients, who are “very smart” and full of “amazing ideas,” according to Creative and Talent Director Ryan Konikoff. “We hope that they can share with us the emotion they are trying to create and let our team work with them to see it come to life.” A full-time staff of seven explodes to more than 50 for events, with the additions of emcees, disc jockeys, technicians, videographers, lighting designers, and project managers. “We don’t sell equipment; we sell concepts and ideas,” Konikoff says. For more information: rthgroup.com

BEST EVENT

Frivolity, hosted by the Cleveland Synergy Foundation, helped attract the 2014 Gay Games to Northeast Ohio, catapulting Cleveland and Akron into the global spotlight. One of the best testimonials of the effectiveness of the event was a quote from the Federation of Gay Games site selection committee’s evaluation of Cleveland: “Cleveland offers a long list of positive reasons to be host … they are located in the heartland of America, could challenge a number of currently held views of the GLBT community, and could be instrumental in affecting the voting practices of people in the city and surrounding communities.” For more information: clevelandsynergyfoundation.org