The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)
U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing, and advertising. The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. The organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce, and other business advertising and marketing groups.

About EMI Industries
EMI Industries, based in Tampa, Fla., provides store fixtures and retail displays such as restaurant equipment, supermarket equipment, convenience store fixtures, pharmacy fixtures, industrial equipment, and institutional displays. The company has stainless, aluminum, wood, and plastic custom fabrication capabilities. Retail displays include display cases, stainless steel sinks, cafeteria serving lines, dish tables, pot sinks, chef counters, and serving counters exclusively for the restaurant equipment dealers. The company also provides pharmacies with customer service counters and backroom equipment for supermarkets and convenience stores.