By Katy McDowall

Baylor University's Institute for Family Business will honor the 2011 Texas Family Business of the Year award winners and finalists at a banquet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, in Barfield Drawing Room of the Bill Daniel Student Center on the Baylor campus.

The Texas Family Business of the Year awards program recognizes outstanding family firms who demonstrate a commitment to family and business continuity, and who are responsive to the needs of their employees, communities and industries.

"Starting, owning and operating a family business is the foundation of the American dream," said J. David Allen, director of the John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship at Baylor's Hankamer School of Business. "It is our privilege to honor the dedicated, hardworking risk-takers in the state of Texas who contribute so much to our economic and social well-being."

This year's winners are:

• Small Family Business of the Year: Jacoby and Jacoby Inc., Melvin

• Medium Family Business of the Year: Professional Flooring Supply, Haltom City

• Large Family Business of the Year: Bruner Automotive Family, Stephenville

• Family Values Award: R.W. Owens & Son Funeral Home Inc., Wolfe City

• Well-Managed Award: Freeman, Dallas

• Community Commitment Award: Cooper Aerobics Center, Dallas

• Fastest Growing Award: Dikita Enterprises Inc., Dallas

• Founders Award: Renfro Foods Inc., Fort Worth

• Heritage Award: Bird-Kultgen Inc., Waco

Finalists are: Aderhold Funeral Home Inc., West; All-Star Martial Arts, Cypress; Gold Metal Recyclers Ltd., Dallas; Insurance Network of Texas, Giddings; Leigh Oliver's, Tyler; Mazanec Construction Co. Inc., Waco; Ranch at The Rim, San Antonio; Riverside Tire Center, Sealy; Snyder's Recycled Auto and Truck Parts, Holland; and Twin City Driver Education School, Richmond.

The banquet will include a reception at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner at 7 p.m. and the presentation of awards from 8 to 10 p.m.

Baylor's Institute for Family Business was established in 1987 and supports family business through programs, workshops and forums that offer educational resources to help businesses survive and prosper.

More News ...