Image Technologies wins small-business award

The Small Business of the Year award was given to Image Technologies on Thursday, but owner Steve Baumgartner said the credit goes to his 19 employees.

“They make the system go as far as taking care of the customers,” he said. “The employees basically make the company.”

Image Technologies was founded in 1995. The company rents, leases and sells office equipment.

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce presented the award.

Chamber president Don Laird wasn’t involved in the selection process but said he thinks consideration includes a business’s “ability to interact with the community, to give back to the community.”

Steve said he and co-owner Lynda Baumgartner’s community involvement characterizes the success of their business. They are active in the community as committee and board members for organizations including Habitat for Humanity, REDI and United Way.

Other finalists included R. Anthony Development Group, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Paternity Testing Corp. and Sydenstricker Implement Corp.