Prattville Chamber Celebrates Local Small Business Winners and Finalists

From The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce

The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates Fras-Le North America, Ellis Counseling, LLC, The Southern Refinery and Trustmark National Bank in Prattville for being named as finalists in the “Alabama’s Small Business of the Year” awards, presented annually by the Business Council of Alabama and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. Forty-five small businesses were recognized as finalists and honored at the CCAA/BCA Partnership Annual Meeting/Luncheon at The Harbert Center in Birmingham on Dec. 3, 2021.

Winners were also awarded at three levels including the Gold Award, Silver Award and Bronze Award in four different categories: Emerging, 1-10 employees, 11-50 employees and 51-100 employees.

Fras-Le North America was recognized as the Alabama Small Business of the Year Gold Award (51-100 Employees) and Ellis Counseling, LLC was recognized as Alabama Small Business of the Year Bronze Award (1-10 Employees). These distinguished awards are reviewed by a panel of out-of-state judges who evaluate the businesses in areas including community involvement, chamber participation, business success and overall deservedness.

The Autauga County Commission also recognized these four businesses on Dec. 7 at their monthly meeting. Prattville Chamber President Patty VanderWal introduced the local businesses and shared with the Autauga County Commission how the award process works.   

These small business winners and finalists are considered to be the state’s best small businesses based on a variety of civic and professional standards. The Prattville Chamber is honored to have these businesses in Prattville and Autauga County because they show how small businesses make a positive impact in our community.

Alabama Small Business of the Year Gold Award (51-100 Employees) | Fras-Le North America: At their Prattville facility, Fras-le produces hydraulic brake pads for school buses, “last mile” delivery and medium size trucks, off highway disc pads, air disc brakes for commercial vehicles, and rail shoes. For trains, they warehouse products manufactured by other companies and commercializes them in North America. Since their purchase of the Prattville facility in 2008, Fras-le has worked diligently to improve their facility with respect to machinery, technology, work environment and more. Throughout the years, they have demonstrated a continuous commitment to the community through service projects and partnerships.

Alabama Small Business of the Year Bronze Award (1-10 Employees) | Ellis Counseling: Owned by Martha B. Ellis, the practice began in 2003 with Martha as the solo practitioner. Over the years, the practice has grown to three licensed mental health professionals who offer counseling services for children, adolescents, adults and couples. Their counselors have a wide range of experience that allows them to successfully treat depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues and more. Their team continues to serve the community as a Chamber member and through a variety of organizations. 

Alabama Small Business of the Year (11-50 Employees) | Trustmark National Bank: This organization has been providing financial services to the Prattville community since they were established in 1959 as Citizens Bank. Over these 62 years, Trustmark’s vision to be a premier financial services company has been unwavering and bolstered their organization to continue as both an active community supporter and exceptional service provider for their customers, friends, and neighbors. Their team consistently remains in the top deposit market share in the 36067 zip code and in the top two financial institutions for deposit market share in the 36066 zip code. The total deposits in Autauga County are more than $120 million.

Alabama Small Business of the Year (Emerging Business of the Year Category) | The Southern Refinery: The Southern Refinery is a women’s clothing boutique in Prattville that offers a variety of shoes, jewelry, gifts and custom hand lettered signs. Owner Brittney Malone opened her store in 2018. Since last year, sales have grown 162%. They expect their growth to rise with the launch of their online webpage and app. Malone and her team are active members in the community through various service projects.

For more information about these businesses or the Prattville Chamber, please visit prattvillechamber.com or call 334.365.7392.

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