The areas top small business finalists and winners were recognized Thursday night during the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year awards reception.

  The finalists were Crawford Drainage, Docs Soup-Herb Deli, Kelstin Incorporated, Mr. Rooter, My Town Partners, Richland Laminated Columns, Wayne's Country Market and What's 4 Dessert.

  Richland Bank President John Brown is head of the chamber's business and economic development committee and spoke about why it's important to honor small businesses.

  "They're all very deserving winners," Brown said. "There's not much more important things the chamber can do, than recognize our small businesses that make Richland County a great place to live and work."

  "We need to recognize these job creators," Brown said.

  Crawford Drainage received the manufacturing/industrial award, Doc's Soup Herb Deli was awarded the female/minority honor, My Town Partners took home the entrepreneurial award, and What's 4 Dessert, received the service retail award.

  The remaining companies received awards for being finalists.

  All of the businesses recognized were available throughout the evening to discuss their services and products.