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IndependentsJun 27, 2017
Nelson Coleman Jewelers Takes Home Maryland Business Award
The sixth generation-owned store was named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2017 Maryland Family Owned Small Business of the Year.
Holding the award for 2017 Maryland Family Owned Small Business of the Year is the sixth-generation owner of Nelson Coleman Jewelers, Amanda Coleman-Phelps. Her parents, fifth-generation owners Chris (white hair) and Peggy Coleman, are standing right next to her. The other fifth-generation owner, Chris’s brother Mark Coleman, is on the far left. The remaining two gentlemen pictured are SBA officials.
Woodlawn, Maryland--A jewelry store in Maryland has been recognized as the state’s small business of the year.
The U.S. Small Business Administration selected Nelson Coleman Jewelers, located in Towson, about 10 miles outside of Baltimore, as its 2017 Maryland Family Owned Small Business of the Year.
The jewelry store received its award at the 33rd annual Maryland Small Business Week Awards Luncheon in Woodlawn, Maryland earlier this month.
According to the SBA, it selected the winners based on their adherence to a specific set of criteria, which included evidence of success as measured by sales and profits, increased employment opportunities for family members and non-family members in the business, innovativeness of product or service, response to adversity, demonstrated potential necessary for long-term business success and economic growth, and community contributions.
Sixth-generation store owner Amanda Coleman-Phelps, along fifth-generation owners Chris and Peggy Coleman, her parents, and Mark Coleman, her uncle, were on hand to accept the award.
“This award is testament not only to a lot of hard work by our family and our new leader Amanda, but to all of the hard work that so many are striving for during these challenging times,” said Chris Coleman.
Nelson Coleman Jewelers was nominated, unbeknownst to them, by the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce, an organization in which they are active.
“This award was a complete surprise to us,” Coleman said. “It is also a testament to staying connected to and involved with our communities. We have been receiving a lot of recognition and excellent PR as a result, and we hope and expect it will translate into more business.”
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