LJ’S BBQ, BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOP WIN SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS IN WASHINGTON CO.
Several small businesses in the area were honored today (Wednesday), as they were named “Small Business of the Year” at the 6th Annual Small Business Forum in Brenham.
Named best small businesses in Washington County were LJ’s BBQ and Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative. LJ’s received the award for the “small” 1-25 employee range, while Bluebonnet Electric’s member services staff, linemen and crews of Washington County won the award in the “large” 26-100 category.
Washington County Chamber of Commerce President Wende Ragonis noted that this selection process was very difficult, having received more nominations for these awards than ever before. She said these two businesses “truly stand out for their commitment to excellence and growth in their industries and for providing their customers with amazing products and services”.
LJ’s BBQ, owned by Corey and Leah Cook, originally began as a pop-up/food truck at places like Home Sweet Farm Market and Biergarten, Brazos Valley Brewing Company and Roux Street, before opening a temporary location at Corner Liquor Store. The family owned and operated restaurant is now located at 1407 West Main Street, and has recently been recognized as one of the premier barbecue joints in the state by Texas Monthly.
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative has been a member of the community since 1939, and provides power to 14 Central Texas counties. As they celebrate 80 years of service, they are also celebrating another milestone of 100,000 meters, more than 14,000 of those in Washington County. Their Brenham Member Services Center is located at 2401 Highway 290 West.
Awards were also presented for outstanding businesses in Burleson and Grimes Counties. The winners of the Burleson County Small Business of the Year awards were Double Creek Crossing (not pictured here, as representatives were unable to attend) and Evers & Sons. The winners of the Navasota-Grimes County awards were Taqueria la Esconida and Mid-South Synergy.
Guests to the forum were treated to a packed half-day of activities featuring speeches, networking and exhibits. Keynote speaker Dr. Nathan Bryan of the Baylor College of Medicine, presented scientific information and tips on how to avoid suffering from cardiovascular disease.
The Small Business Forum, co-hosted by the Washington, Burleson, and Grimes County Chambers at the Washington County Fairgrounds, was sponsored by Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Brenham, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Brenham National Bank and Citizens State Bank.