Help us celebrate those leading Columbus

I’m always learning new things about Columbus. Working on this month’s issue was no exception. Whether it was talking about the construction industry with Renier Construction Co.’s Bill Heifner, having a candid discussion about hourly workers with Premier Office Movers’ David Walton or feeling inspired by the work that the Reeb Avenue Center is undertaking in the south side.
With this month’s Uniquely Columbus, I also got to learn more about the Doo Dah Parade, which somehow I’ve never attended and that’s something I want to remedy this Fourth of July.
My point is that Columbus has a lot of great, dynamic organizations that are truly making a difference in people’s lives.
If I’m always surprised by what I find out about the city, then that certainly means there are plenty of executives who we need to uncover and recognize at the upcoming Smart 50 Awards.
This year marks the third year for the event. I’m asking for your help to find new nominees. Smart Business wants to recognize the leaders in the region who are being innovative, making an impact and creating organizations built to last.
Just as I’m always finding great new companies to feature in the magazine, I’m sure you know plenty of unsung heroes who aren’t normally featured in the media.
There are a lot of people making a different in Columbus, which is one of the strongest metros in the Midwest. In fact, I recently received a press release from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland saying just that.
“The Columbus unemployment rate is among the nation’s lowest, while overall employment growth remains strong,” says LaVaughn Henry, vice president and senior regional officer at the Cincinnati Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. “Housing prices are improving, but at a more moderate pace relative to recent trends.”

With such a strong economy, I know there are plenty of organizations that deserve to be part of the Smart 50 class of 2016. Please help by nominating a deserving organization today. The nomination deadline is Aug. 5.