Banquet honored best of the best Loveland businesses
By Chuck Gibson
The largest ever crowd turned out for the 2019 Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) Business Awards Banquet Wednesday, November 20, at Receptions in Loveland.
“It’s always a lovely evening to recognize the work they put in, but also what the businesses give back to the community of Loveland, Miami Township and Symmes Township to make them the great places they are,” said Collins.
Some 60 businesses were nominated in 12 different categories from beautification, emerging business, young professional, to woman owned business, community involvement, business of the year and everything in between. Longtime emcee John Popovich presented each category, named the nominees and introduced videos revealing the winners. Collins recognized Popovich, who is retiring from Channel 9 Sports in December, for his contribution as emcee for the annual Loveland gala.
“It was a big thing to give thanks to John Popovich,” said Collins. “He is a good-good person. He does this so selflessly. We will miss him terribly.”



“Turnout was a lot more than in the past,” he said. “The generosity for the silent auction, Popovich, the ‘Diaper Drive’ was eye-opening. I was wowed by it. Nothing short of spectacular.”

Nick Winnenberg, leader of the Loveland Young Professionals, is a winner in the category of “Young Professional of the Year” and equally impressed with the event.
“Turnout was great,” said Winnenberg, who was cheered by the entire crowd upon taking a selfie as he arrived at the podium. “What a list. It really was the who’s who of Loveland. Receptions did a really good job.”
Winnenberg just moved to Loveland, but quickly realized “everyone has a genuine interest in community” and got involved. He says he met incredible people with inspiring stories just by showing up.
“Just show up to do things, “ Winnenberg said. “Next thing you know, you’re getting awards at dinners.”
“I got a little chill when I saw Sam David on the video screen,” said Terry. It was David who introduced him in 2017 as the Emerging Business award winner then. “Seeing him pop up again gave me a quick chill. Wow. I’m humbled someone in this community thought enough to nominate us. I have a hard time saying I, this is family. It was shocking. We certainly appreciate it.”

All the winners showed humility winning, even surprise when simply notified of their nomination. Brittney Frietch, was more surprised to learn she had been nominated for two categories.
“Are you sure,” asked Frietch, 2019 Woman Owned Business award winner, when notified she was also nominated for Young Professional for her real estate business. “Compared to others, I’m not sure I’m worthy.”
Each business or individual was given a week after notification to offer information about their business for the selection committee to review. The selection committee was then given a packet on each nominee. They had a week to review and consider each business or individual. The committee completed the selection process voting for the winners behind closed doors
“It was the first time in my whole life I was at a loss for words,” Frietch said. “It was truly a shock factor. He (God) can turn any mess into a success story.”

“We all just melted,” said Cee Cee Collins.


For more about the chamber visit: www.lmrchamberalliance.org Photo captions: The Gertz Law family was selected as Beautification Award winner for 2019 by the Annual Awards Selection Committee


