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Family businesses from throughout Texas were honored in the 14th annual Texas Family Business of the Year® competition, sponsored by Baylor University’s Institute for Family Business.

The awards were presented by Dr. Terry Maness, dean of the Hankamer School of Business, and J. David Allen, director of Baylor’s John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship. Tom Dobson, CEO of Whataburger Inc., winner of last year’s Texas Family Business of the Year award in the large business category, was the keynote speaker.

Gov. Rick Perry issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 23-25, 2003, as Family Business Days in Texas and commended Baylor University’s Institute for Family Business, as well as the Texas Family Association and Scholarship Foundation, in the proclamation.

More than 100 businesses across the Lone Star State were nominated for the contest, which honors top firms demonstrating strong business and family/community values. Judges include family business consultants, advisers and principals of family firms.

This year’s award winners are:

Small family business 50 or fewer employees	Pulliam Pools, Fort Worth
Medium family business 51-250 employees	Vent-a-Hood, Richardson
Large family business >250 employees	Al’s Formal Wear, Houston
Community commitment award	Claffey Pools, Southlake
Family values award	M&F Western Products, Sulphur Springs
Fastest-growing award	WDS Partners LP, Fort Worth
Founders award	Groves Equipment Rental Co. Inc., Groves
Well-managed award	Galvotec Alloys Inc., McAllen

Another group of five businesses received recognition as finalists in this year’s competition. These firms are: Holland’s Jewelry, San Angelo; Neutral Posture Inc., Bryan; Lowe’s Supermarkets, Littlefield; Taylor Paint and Body Shop, Vernon; and Westy’s Pharmacy, Lockhart.