By Michael J Mika

Family businesses play an important role in the social and business fabric of Delaware. And the finalists in this year's Family Owned Business Awards competition prove that fact.

They represent a variety of business segments-from business and residential services to high tech and restaurants. As we reviewed the nominations, we discovered recurring themes when the businesses were asked to describe what set them apart from others.

"¢ Gratitude to the first generation for taking the first step to create the business in Delaware.

"¢ Appreciation for the continued local support they receive from their Delaware customers, clients and friends.

"¢ Excitement about the future and what the next generation will do with technology and new business plans for growth.

One nominee said the family considers itself a steward of their founder's dream to take care of his family. Family was defined as relatives, the people he cared for in his business and the community of which he was a part.

A panel of five judges, which included members of the business community and Today Media executives, selected the finalists, who were considered for three business size categories, as well as five specialty awards nominated by the panel.

Each nomination was reviewed in-depth by the judges who were asked to consider the family business' contribution to its community and industry, its positive links between family and business, and innovative practices it may use, among other factors.

Only multigenerational, family owned businesses based in Delaware qualified for consideration.

One judge said he was most impressed with the caliber of nominees and said narrowing the field of finalists in the business size category was not an easy task.

Please join us June 24 as we celebrate the accomplishments and the impact that family owned businesses have on our communities, and announce the winners in eight special categories.

Finalists for the 2015 awards are:

Delaware Small Business Award (25 employees or fewer) 

"¢ A.R. Morris Jewelers, Wilmington, five family members

"¢ DiFebo's Restaurant, Bethany Beach, eight family members

"¢ Pools & Spas Unlimited, Milford, five family members

"¢ Urban Furniture Outlet, New Castle, four family members

Delaware Medium-Size Business Awards (26-100 employees)         

"¢ EDiS, Wilmington, 4 family members

"¢ Janssen's Market, Greenville, three family members

"¢ Joseph Frederick & Sons, Wilmington, four family members

"¢ The Insurance Market, Laurel, five family members

Delaware Large-Size Business Awards (100 + employees)

"¢ M Davis and Sons, Wilmington, two family members

"¢ Pettinaro, Newport, five family members

"¢ Wayman Fire Protection, Wilmington, two family members

Specialty awards nominated by judges:

Community Service Award 

Business shows excellence in its community service effort.

Finalists:

"¢ Janssen's Market, Greenville, three family members

"¢ Pools & Spas Unlimited, Milford, five family members

Customer Service Award 

Business shows excellence in dealing with customer service.

Finalists:

"¢ Joseph Frederick & Sons, Wilmington, four family members

Innovation/Technology Award 

Business is doing something different, or modernizing operations to better serve its customers/clients.

Finalists:

"¢ Data Management Internationale, New Castle, five family members

"¢ Delaware Brick, Wilmington, five family members

Legacy Award 

Multi-generational business that is continuing to involve all family members actively in its daily operation and demonstrates an overall impact on Delaware and business community.

Finalists:

"¢ EDiS, Wilmington, 4 family members

"¢ The Insurance Market, Laurel, five family members

Emerging Family Business Award

Business that is showing remarkable growth or market share.

Finalists:

"¢ Delaware Brick, Wilmington, five family members

"¢ DiFebo's Restaurant, Bethany Beach, eight family members