Two Chattanooga companies recently honored by the Chattanooga Area Chamber have received the annual u.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business Award.

Mike Collins and Associates, Inc. (MCA) and East Tech Company, Inc. were two of only three Tennessee companies to receive the u.S. Chamber award sponsored by Sam’s Club.

The award honors businesses that demonstrate excellence in financial performance and business history, staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service and business planning.

On february 20 MCA received the Chattanooga Chamber’s Small Business Award in the 21-50 employees category. East Tech was a finalist in the same category. (See Page 12 for an article on the Small Business Awards.)

Founded in 1987 by Mike and Karen Collins, MCA provides Information Technology equipment to Chattanooga businesses. The company has 42 fulltime employees and services more than 500 customers nationwide.

East Tech, led by President and CEO Roger Layne, offers precision engineering and custom-manufacturing for applications in the power generation, asphalt paving, water treatment, automotive, textile and medical industries.

The u.S. Chamber awards will be presented in Washington, DC at America’s Small Business Summit, April 16 to 18. In all, 55 small businesses will be honored with Blue Ribbon Award certificates. The third Tennessee winner is Neely’s BBQ in Memphis.