Evans Automotive awarded "Small Business of the Year"

Small businesses make up about 84 percent of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and once a year, they do their best to honor those who work all year to make their businesses work.

Up and down many streets in Dothan, you'll find small business after small business.

Commission Chairman Mark Culver says, "We work hard to bring in all these big businesses and they get all the headlines but small businesses are really what make us go. "

Places like Evan’s Automotive which has been around since 1971.

They were recognized as Dothan’s Small Business of the Year for 2018.

Owners Pat and Joe say it's the people in this community who keep them doing what they do.

Joe says, "Person that comes in knows who they are dealing with, they build a relationship and over time, it just gets stronger."

Beau Benton is chairman of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce board.

He expects to see even more small shops open up.

"There is just a great connection when someone grew up in the community, and they want to grow their business not just for themselves but for the families that they represent."

Small Business Secretary Linda McMahon says, "When you shop local, that money just flows right back into your community."

The chamber has been giving this award out since 1987.