Paradise Park Named Small Business of the Year by Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce

Paradise Park, Kansas City’s Premier Family Destination, was named the 2006 recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award by the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented Friday, May 19, at the monthly membership luncheon held at Truman Medical Center Lakewood.

To be considered for the Small Business of the Year Award, a business must be a Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce member in good standing; have been in business a minimum of three years; be a for-profit business headquartered in Lee’s Summit; demonstrate a commitment to good business practice; demonstrate growth in the number of employees and/or sales; offer service to the community and to the Chamber; and have a history of good employee relations.

“We are very thankful to the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce for this recognition,” said Jon Ellis, Paradise Park President and CEO. “We cherish the many positive relationships with the businesses and individuals associated with the Chamber, and it is special to receive this award from our peers. I am so thankful to our guests and staff members that have made this award possible.”

Several businesses were nominated for this year’s award, and the field was narrowed down to five finalists at the membership luncheon in March. In addition to Paradise Park, the finalists for the award included: Bank of Lee’s Summit; Infinity Realty; Marian’s Kids; and Summit Medical.

Paradise Park is proud of its partnership with the community and has worked tirelessly to benefit many non-profit organizations. The organization has worked closely with the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District Educational Foundation; Partners in Education Program; Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation; Lee’s Summit Soccer Association; Lee’s Summit Baseball Association; and the Lee’s Summit Girls Softball Association. Paradise Park also plays host to two major community-wide fundraising events annually. The two special events include “Family Fun Days” benefiting the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce Visitors Council and the “Big Fun for Small Miracles” event benefiting the March of Dimes on behalf of KinderCare Learning Centers. The organization places an emphasis on delivering field trips that are both educational and entertaining for area school districts and day care centers.