The Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce honored two businesses during its Small Business of the Year Awards Dinner and Dance.  This year’s Small Business of the Year Awards Dinner was held Nov. 12 at the Hollywood Rotary Club in Hollywood.
The honorees were Douglas Chiropractic Centers, established in 1985 by Dr. Michael Douglas, and Memory Lane Café, a family owned and operated business which opened in 1994.

Other nominees were Jerk Machine Restaurant, Phyl’s Academy Preparatory School, and Super Duper Liquor.

“Today we honor their financial success, as well as their commitment to their employees, customers and communities,” said Albert Lettman, president of the chamber.

The Small Business of the Year Awards program recognizes the dedication, entrepreneurial achievements and community and social responsibility displayed by small businesses, according to a statement from the organization.

Douglas Chiropractic Centers provides diagnostic and treatment to a broad group of people and its patients include some Olympic and other professional athletes for sport related injuries and injury prevention.  The practice also handles large volumes of automobile, fall and work injuries.

The practice has locations in Lauderhill, Miramar and Coral Springs.

Memory Lane Café is a founding member of the South Florida Business group that evolved into the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce.

It is also the oldest Caribbean American restaurant and lounge in Broward County. 

Orel Powell, the owner, was instrumental in persuading Lauderdale Lakes city officials to change the hours of operations for restaurants and lounges from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, who gave the keynote address, spoke of the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010, saying the law includes provisions to help small businesses, especially those owned by women, low-income people, veterans and minorities, access capital. It also promotes state trade and rural exports and includes other tax and credit initiatives aimed at expanding jobs and economic activity.

For more information on the chamber, call 954-730-8885 or visit  gcacc.com.