The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is the 2015 Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year. Pictured from left to right: Chamber Executive Director Austin Richmond; SOSMP’s Teena Peavey, James Cornett and Robin Young; and Chamber President Jimmy Norris.

The second Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce Small and Large Business of the Year Luncheon was held on Friday, Sept. 25 at the Westwood Baptist Church Family Life Center in Live Oak. Local businesses were nominated by Chamber members and the public to win the title of “Business of the Year” based on community involvement, support of other businesses and good standing with the Chamber.

Chamber President Jimmy Norris and Executive Director Austin Richmond presented the awards after a special video produced by Do Good Media introduced the award nominees.

The winner of the Small Business of the Year award went to Live Oak Pest Control. The company was founded in 1972 by Bob and Frances McGranahan and now has 40 employees servicing 17 counties in North Central Florida. Live Oak Pest Control’s services include home and business pest control, lawn care and termite control. Their business was established on the philosophy of treating the customer the best they can be treated, and it is a philosophy still used today, according to the company’s introductory video.

“We would like to thank everyone,” said Melissa Snodgrass, Live Oak Pest Control vice president and state certified operator, in accepting the award. “Our employees and the community have been so good to us over the years. We always hope to try to give back and we appreciate your support.”

The other finalists in the small business category were Daniels Funeral Home and B Posh/You Got Served Cafe.

The winner of the Large Business of the Year award went to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. SOSMP was founded in the late 1960s and purchased by Jean and Bob Cornett in 1985. For the past 30 years the Cornett family has grown SOSMP into one of the nation’s top 12 music venues, attracting 600,000 visitors annually for a host of outdoor music festivals and outdoor recreational activities. Hundreds of people are employed for these festivals and events. SOSMP has also contributed over $25,000 to keep music in schools through their Hope Notes program, according to their introductory video.

“We would like to thank the community and the Chamber,” said Teena Peavey, SOSMP marketing director, in accepting the award. “We thrive to bring economic development to Live Oak and we’re proud to call Suwannee County home.”

The other finalists for the large business category were Shands Live Oak Regional Medical Center and Busy Bee.