WESTMINSTER, Md. -- Jiffy Mart, based in Westminster, Md., was named 2013 Small Business of the Year by the Carroll County, Maryland, Chamber of Commerce.
The award was presented Nov. 7 at the seventh-annual Business Awards Program and marks the third year in a row the company has received this award. Jiffy Mart was nominated and selected based on performance and growth, innovation and creativity, competitiveness and community involvement. The company received the Small Business Award for companies with 51-200 employees.
"People in Carroll County can't think of Jiffy Mart without seeing a company which has built its brand and reputation on giving back to the community," said Russell Grimes, president of Carroll County Community Bank during his presentation. "Once again, the diversification of products offered from Jiffy Mart has yielded strong profits, and the company has seen an increase in net profit over the previous year. Impressive results, but this company with a big heart would prefer to talk about the causes that are important to them."
Each year, Jiffy Mart partners with a range of local, regional and national charities in an ongoing effort to give back to the communities where it does business. Each community service event is marketed on its Facebook page, website and on marquee signs at its four Carroll County convenience stores, as well as through interactive pump screens, local radio, community newspapers and in-store signage.
Jiffy Mart's efforts this year surpassed its 2011-2012 milestones. Last year, the four-store chain's giving totaled $19,000. As of August, this year's total exceeded $20,000.
The organizations benefitting from Jiffy Mart's fundraising efforts for 2012-2013 range from St. Jude Children's Hospital and the American Breast Cancer Foundation, to local causes such as Carroll County Food Sunday, The Shepherd's Staff and the Westminster Police Torch Run for Maryland Special Olympics.
Training is also important and to better serve its customers and community, Jiffy Mart provides ongoing associate training and certifications with organizations such as:
- American Red Cross – First Aid and AED Certification
- Prometric – Food Safety Certification
- Carroll County Chamber of Commerce – Leadership Carroll
Throughout the year, Jiffy Mart also participates in numerous other community events, such as autograph signings, festivals and expos, where it sets up a booth that ties into the event and offers attendees samples, coupons and the chance to enter a prize giveaway raffle.
In Carroll County, currently there are four Jiffy Mart convenience stores owned and operated by Tevis Oil. There are four leased convenience stores/service stations; two branded Shell, one branded BP and one unbranded. There are three additional locations outside of the county.
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