City Announces 2023 Business Excellence Awards Winners

Published on May 04, 2023

Coral Springs, FL – Aligning with National Small Business Week, taking place from April 30 to May 6, the Coral Springs Office of Economic Development has announced its Business Excellence Awards winners for 2023.
 
Winners are: USK Karate, Flora Fine Foods, Corellia Gifts + Goods, P & H Interiors, Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream, Homeland Property Inspections, and Harmony Eco Spa Boutique. The businesses selected contribute to the economic well-being of the city, demonstrate a commitment to serving customers and clients with integrity, and show a sincere devotion to the Coral Springs community.
 
“The Business Excellence Awards were established to formally recognize Coral Springs businesses that exemplify exceptional business practices,” Coral Springs Director of Economic Development Kristi Bartlett said. “I’m really proud of this year’s winners; they truly represent the best of Coral Springs.”
 
The following seven Coral Springs businesses were selected to receive a Business Excellence Award in the following categories:

Small Business Award

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With two locations in the city, USK Karate offers martial arts instruction under Owners David and Jillian Alvas, Hans and Shelby Elie, and Eyleen Waters. Serving as more than just a platform for self-defense and fitness, the karate studio uses martial arts training to develop children into excellent communicators, leaders, and citizens. Sixteen employees work for the studio, including certified instructors who were personally selected for their skills and abilities. Operating in Coral Springs since March 1995, the leadership team initially selected the city for their business because of its family-first focus. Exemplifying a community spirit, the USK team often volunteers at many Coral Springs elementary schools and donates funds to local sports teams.

Large Business Award

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Originally opening in 1976, Flora Fine Foods now occupies a 70,000 square foot distribution facility on Sample Road near Sportsplex Drive. CEO & President, John Flora, employs a staff of 130 people who distribute traditional Italian food and wine to supermarkets, Italian grocers, and specialty food stores across the country. Flora chose Coral Springs as his business’ location due to its safety and central location for distribution throughout Florida. Flora stays active in the community by supporting the Coral Springs Police and Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Departments.

Company to Watch Award

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Owned by Kayleigh Carpenter, Corellia Gifts + Goods recently opened in June of 2021. Corellia is meant to be more than just a store; it’s a “metaphysical experience,” offering pop culture gifts, witchy wares, and unique handmade items. In addition, they offer education about Tarot, crystals, Reiki, and more. Starting out in a small space, the business has quickly grown and now occupies a larger space in the building where it was founded. When deciding where to establish a business, Carpenter chose Coral Springs after moving here with her husband and “falling in love” with the city.  Carpenter and her husband give back to the community, holding open door community nights and donating to raffles and giveaways for local charities.

Commissioner Award

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 President and CEO, Susan Connor founded P&H Interiors in Coral Springs in 1988 to provide personalized and harmonized designs for interior spaces. Today, she and her team of 32 staff members maintain a mission to create design excellence with quality, functionality, and beauty. When deciding on a location for her business, Connor chose Coral Spring due to new construction at the time, specifically the addition of model homes with multiple builders and Coral Ridge Properties. Conner also likes the convenient proximity to the tri-county area. Connor is very active in the community. In fact, she was recently involved with the Coral Springs Rotary Club and helped to facilitate a $112,250 donation to the Coral Springs Community Garden for the construction of a new pavilion.

Heart of the Community Award

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Owned by Army veterans Ricardo and Cristina Braga, Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream opened in June 2021 as a place to offer fresh, homemade ice cream using real ingredients, without preservatives or artificial colors, to the Coral Springs community. The owners are also residents of the city who loved the community and desired to bring something special to the area. In addition to serving sweet treats, they enjoy supporting the community through local school fundraisers, and by providing a free ice cream incentive to students who have received academic achievement awards. They have also donated ice cream to veterans at an assisted living facility in Coral Springs. They are excited about the future growth of Coral Springs and the potential for downtown development.

Legacy Award

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Homeland Property Inspectors serves the area since 1993. Owners Richard and Joyce Petrillo are both Coral Springs High School graduates who laid roots in the city and established their small, family-owned business providing inspections for residential and commercial properties as well as general contracting. The Petrillo’s possess a deep understanding of the construction process that allows them to provide their clients with a more comprehensive and detailed inspection report. In addition to their business endeavors, they are also active in supporting Coral Springs Little League, North Springs Community Little League, and Coral Springs Community Chest. Richard is also a member of the Coral Springs Architectural Review Committee.

Sustainability Award

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Harmony Eco Spa Boutique, owned by Silvia Bolt, was established in Coral Springs in 2013. As a business that prioritizes the health and wellness of both its customers and the planet, Harmony Eco Spa provides a full list of services including organic facials, massages, peels, and more. In addition, through their sustainability partnerships, they have helped plant more than 15,000 trees and achieved net-zero impact on the environment by offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. As a community-focused business, they support local schools, and offer discounts to local law enforcement, first responders, military personnel, and veterans.

The Economic Development Office (EDO) is committed to ensuring “Business is Brighter” in Coral Springs by retaining local businesses and attracting new businesses.  More about the resources offered by the EDO can be obtained by contacting Kristi Bartlett at (954) 344-5770 or by emailing kbartlett@coralsprings.gov.