Gil's Ace Hardware honored as legacy business
Locally Owned Murfreesboro and Smyrna Independent Merchants Association honored a full slate of deserving businesses on April 23 at the 2019 Light Up Local Firefly Awards.
“Even as large as Murfreesboro and Smyrna have gotten, the people here still want to feel a sense of community, which is what this night is about,” said Mary Esther Reed, Smyrna mayor and master of ceremonies for the event.
The Firefly Awards is a people’s choice awards celebration of independent businesses. LOM and SiMA took nominations in 10 categories for independent businesses in Smyrna and Murfreesboro during February. The businesses with the most nominations won their respective category.
And the 2019 Winners are:
• WGNS Good Neighbor of the Year
Presented to a locally owned business or business owner who has given of themselves to the community, not just financially, but with time and effort and never wants recognition.
Murfreesboro: Garage Barre
Smyrna: Aaron Lovett Realty
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• Best Social Media
Presented to a locally owned business that positively uses social media.
Murfreesboro: Re-Invintage
Smyrna: Senior Activity Center
• Lube Pro’s Best Customer Service Award
Presented to the locally owned business that ensures customer requirements are handled quickly and efficiently. Day after day, they are answering questions, finding information and providing assistance.
Murfreesboro: P’s and Q’s Pickup
Smyrna: Carpe Cafe
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• NowTech Productions Best Nonprofit
Presented to a local nonprofit organization that strives to strengthen our community by giving back and making the area better through service, kindness and charitable acts throughout our county.
Murfreesboro: Special Kids
Smyrna: Senior Activity Center
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• Best Restaurant
Presented to a locally owned restaurant that exceeds expectations through food quality, customer service and overall atmosphere.
Murfreesboro: Dallas and Jane Restaurant
Smyrna: Hickory Falls Wood-Fired Grille and Bar
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• Best New Business
Presented to a locally owned business that has been around for less than four years.
Murfreesboro: P’s and Q’s Pickup
Smyrna: Janarty’s Homemade Ice Cream
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• Best Event
Presented to a local business or organization that puts on an amazing event that gives back to or creates an opportunity for community.
Murfreesboro: Bro Barre
Smyrna: Depot Days
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• Murfreesboro Pulse Best Night Out
Presented to a local business or organization that puts on an amazing event that gives back to or creates an opportunity for community.
Murfreesboro: Mayday Brewery
Smyrna: Smyrna Bowling Center
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• Dempsey, Dilling and Associates Business of the Year Award
Presented to a locally owned business that goes above and beyond for the community, known for its outstanding customer service and leadership.
Murfreesboro: The Alley on Main
Smyrna: Front Street Signs
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• Volunteer State Bank Local Legacy
Presented to a locally owned business that has been at the core of writing our city’s story for at least 20 years and continues their legacy of providing a needed service.
Murfreesboro: The City Cafe
Smyrna: Gil’s Hardware
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Food at the awards event was provided by The Alley on Main, Simply Pure Sweets, Tasty Table, The Blue Porch, Carpe Cafe and Jo’s Custom Catering. Drinks were provided by Corelife Eatery, Mayday Brewery, The Casual Pint and Short Mountain Distillery. Music was provided by DJ Big Bad Boogie. Floral arrangements and plants were provided by The Flower Pot II, Primrose Flower Truck and Red Wagon Nursery.
Both Locally Owned Murfreesboro and Smyrna Independent Merchants Association work to support independent businesses in the community, build a stronger local economy and raise awareness about the benefits of doing business locally.
