Coral Springs honors local businesses with excellence awards
Coral Springs, Florida – Coinciding with National Small Business Week, observed from April 30th to May 6th, the Coral Springs Office of Economic Development proudly unveiled the distinguished winners of the 2023 Business Excellence Awards.
The esteemed victors include USK Karate, Flora Fine Foods, Corellia Gifts + Goods, P & H Interiors, Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream, Homeland Property Inspections, and Harmony Eco Spa Boutique. These laudable businesses contribute significantly to the city’s economic prosperity, demonstrate unwavering commitment to serving customers and clients with the highest integrity, and display heartfelt dedication to the Coral Springs community.
Kristi Bartlett, the Coral Springs Director of Economic Development, remarked, “The Business Excellence Awards were established to formally recognize Coral Springs businesses that exemplify exceptional business practices. I’m really proud of this year’s winners; they truly represent the best of Coral Springs.”
The following seven outstanding Coral Springs businesses have been selected to receive a Business Excellence Award in their respective categories:
Small Business Award
With a dual presence in the city, USK Karate imparts martial arts instruction under the proficient guidance of Owners David and Jillian Alvas, Hans and Shelby Elie, and Eyleen Waters. More than a mere platform for self-defense and fitness, the karate studio harnesses martial arts training to mold children into exemplary communicators, leaders, and citizens. The studio employs sixteen individuals, including certified instructors handpicked for their skills and abilities. Operating in Coral Springs since March 1995, the leadership team initially chose the city for their business due to its family-centric ethos. Exemplifying a community spirit, the USK team frequently volunteers at numerous Coral Springs elementary schools and donates funds to local sports teams.
Large Business Award
Established in 1976, Flora Fine Foods now occupies a sprawling 70,000-square-foot distribution facility on Sample Road near Sportsplex Drive. CEO & President John Flora oversees a staff of 130 individuals who distribute authentic Italian food and wine to supermarkets, Italian grocers, and specialty food stores across the nation. Flora selected Coral Springs as the hub for his business due to its safety and central location, optimal for distribution throughout Florida. Flora remains an active participant in the community, supporting the Coral Springs Police and Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Departments.
Company to Watch Award
Kayleigh Carpenter, the proprietor of Corellia Gifts + Goods, opened the business in June 2021. Corellia transcends the definition of a mere store; it represents a “metaphysical experience,” proffering pop culture gifts, mystical wares, and unique handmade items. Additionally, they provide education on Tarot, crystals, Reiki, and more. The business swiftly outgrew its humble origins and now occupies a more expansive space in the same building. Carpenter opted for Coral Springs as the location for her enterprise after moving there with her husband and becoming enamored with the city. Carpenter and her husband contribute to the community by hosting open-door community nights and donating to raffles and giveaways for local charities.
Commissioner Award
In 1988, Susan Connor, President and CEO, established P&H Interiors in Coral Springs to furnish customized and harmonized designs for interior spaces. Today, she and her team of 32 staff members maintain a mission to create design excellence with quality, functionality, and beauty. Connor selected Coral Springs as her business location due to the new construction at the time, specifically the addition of model homes with multiple builders and Coral Ridge Properties. Connor also appreciates the convenient proximity to the tri-county area. Connor is highly active in the community; she recently participated in the Coral Springs Rotary Club and facilitated a $112,250 donation to the Coral Springs Community Garden for the construction of a new pavilion.
Heart of the Community Award
Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream, founded by Army veterans Ricardo and Cristina Braga in June 2021, is a delightful haven offering fresh, homemade ice cream made from authentic ingredients, free of preservatives or artificial colors, to the Coral Springs community. As residents of the city, the owners’ passion for the community inspired them to bring something exceptional to the area. Besides serving delectable treats, they actively support the community through local school fundraisers and by offering free ice cream incentives to students who have achieved academic excellence. The duo has also donated ice cream to veterans residing in a Coral Springs assisted living facility. They are enthusiastic about Coral Springs’ future growth and the potential for downtown development.
Legacy Award
Since 1993, Homeland Property Inspectors has served the region under the ownership of Richard and Joyce Petrillo, both Coral Springs High School graduates. The couple laid roots in the city and established their family-owned enterprise, providing inspections for residential and commercial properties and general contracting services. Possessing an in-depth understanding of the construction process, they furnish clients with comprehensive and detailed inspection reports. Besides their business pursuits, they actively support Coral Springs Little League, North Springs Community Little League, and Coral Springs Community Chest. Richard also serves as a member of the Coral Springs Architectural Review Committee.
Sustainability Award
Harmony Eco Spa Boutique, founded by Silvia Bolt in 2013, is a Coral Springs establishment that prioritizes the health and wellness of both its clientele and the planet. They offer a full range of services, including organic facials, massages, peels, and more. Through their sustainability partnerships, Harmony Eco Spa has helped plant over 15,000 trees and achieved net-zero environmental impact by offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. As a community-focused business, they support local schools and offer discounts to local law enforcement, first responders, military personnel, and veterans.
The Economic Development Office (EDO) is dedicated to ensuring that “Business is Brighter” in Coral Springs by retaining local businesses and attracting new ones. For more information on the resources offered by the EDO, please contact Kristi Bartlett at (954) 344-5770 or email [email protected].
