Woodman’s of Essex Receives Award for Business Excellence

ESSEX, MA’Woodman’s of Essex received one of two Business Excellence Awards presented at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce 2005 Small Business of the Year (SBOY) Awards Luncheon, on Thursday, October 20, 2005 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.

‘This year’s SBOY Award recipients are a testament to the strength, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of our region’s small businesses,’ said Paul Guzzi, president and CEO of the Chamber. ‘Each company is a leader in their respective industries, committed to workforce development and smart growth, and an exemplary corporate citizen”

Woodman’s of Essex was one of over fifty original nominations for the coveted award.

‘We were surprised and honored just to be nominated’ we really never thought we would advance this far,’ said Larry Woodman, president and CEO of the 90 year old company.

The selection process was rigorous once advanced to the top ten, consisting of two lengthy questionnaires, the first being a company overview and the second much more detailed, culminating in a final site tour. Topics included in the questionnaires were: mission statement, vision, change and company evolution, community involvement, specific challenges and management philosophies. Regarding management philosophies, the topics included were: workplace innovation and development, hiring and retention, diversity initiatives, and corporate culture.

‘The process of answering the questions was enlightening in itself as we needed to answer some questions we hadn’t really asked ourselves in a formal manner before the application process,’ said Rhonda Woodman, who did most of the writing for the application. ‘It was a lot of work yet the process really helped us sort through what we are all about’what Woodman’s is, what we stand for and what we have accomplished in our history of over 90 years.’

‘We were very excited to be included with all the fine companies nominated this year and now we are extremely honored to receive the Award for Business Excellence. On behalf of our family (past and present), exceptional staff, and our loyal customers we thank you,’ said Lawrence Woodman, president and CEO, Woodman’s of Essex as he accepted the award at the luncheon on Thursday.

Woodman’s celebrated its 90th Year of Business in 2004 and has grown to become a landmark restaurant, receiving local and national recognition for excellence. Some of their awards include: ‘Best Seafood in America’ (Forbes FYI), ‘Best Restaurant, Seafood North’ (Boston Magazine), ‘World’s Best Fantastic Fast Foods’ (The Travel Channel), and ‘Local Secrets, Big Finds’ (Travelocity). A recent Zagat review states, ‘This Essex icon is an American cult classic’right up there with baseball and apple pie!’