BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
CRESTVIEW HILLS -- Henry Vittetoe had no formal education in design or decorating and no capital when he started Vittetoe Interior Design in 1992. His client base has since grown to more than 300.
Mr. Vittetoe credits the growth to loyal customers, which he said are needed to compete with larger and more established design firms.
Vittetoe in Taylor Mill was one of four companies that received small business "SUCCESS" awards Tuesday.
The third annual ceremony, sponsored by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, was at Summit Hills Country Club.
"It's our day to recognize these people for their hard work and perseverance. Small businesses are the key to the community," said Brent McClellan, co-chair of Small Business Week.
Other companies receiving the 1998 small business awards were: Flannery Painting Inc. in Covington, NOR-COM Inc. in Hebron and MAC Productions in Covington.
Categories were: construction trades, manufacturing - distribution, retail and sales.
Barry Jolly, owner of Barry Jolly Plumbing, was recognized as the 1997 Small Business Person of the Year.
Jolly Plumbing, Bray Used Parts Inc. in Wilder and Image In-Sights Inc. were recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. as Blue Chip Enterprise winners.
As part of Small Business Week, the Chamber will sponsor a free Small Business Informational Fair 3-7 p.m. Thursdayat Sam's Club in Florence; and a Water Cooler Talk for home-based businesses 8-9:30 a.m. Friday. Reservations required for Friday's event, which is free for members and $10 for others. Information: 291-5000.
