Small Business of the Year

While recognizing the impact of small businesses in the Tri-Lakes Area, one longtime “staple of the community” was honored Tuesday as the 2003 Small Business of the Year by the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

Akers & Arney Insurance received the honor over nine other nominated businesses during the annual Small Business of the Year Award dinner held at Buckingham’s in Branson.

“I feel incredibly honored to have even been nominated for this award, let alone win it,” said Edd Akers, owner of the business. “Branson is a unique place and we definately have something special. If I didn’t believe that, I would not have kept this business here for all these years.”

Akers & Arney Insurance first opened its doors in 1953. The company’s stated management philosophy is “your insurance is only as good as your agent.”

The award dinner was sponsored by Ozark Mountain Bank and First Community Bank of Taney County.

Edd and Karen Akers, owners of Akers & Arney Insurance, are the recipients of the 2003 Small Business of the Year Award.

Left to right are Craig Richards of Ozark Mountain Bank, award recipients Karen and Edd Akers, and David Cook of First Community Bank of Taney County.