This year the Rotary Club of Alpharetta initiated the First Business of the Year Award to be awarded to an Alpharetta Large Business (more than 100 employees) and an Alpharetta Small Business (less than 100 employees). Our goal was to engage with our public and private neighbors in our community, to seek out nominations and via a committee select the businesses that are excellent stewards of the Rotary principles and the 4-way test. Applications were solicited over a 2 month period through the local Business Chambers and the Alpharetta Visitor Bureau and Conference Center. The businesses selected also are actively engaged in the community and give of their thinking, time, talent and treasures to address some of the world's most pressing needs. This award helps us connect with our local businesses but more importantly to acknowledge businesses that are Rotarian in nature. In addition it gave us the opportunity to get to know our local businesses and for them to learn more about Rotary. Not only did we give these two business an award to display at their business.