Dee Barnes, owner of Evans Tool and Die, was named as the winner of the 2013 Jerry Barboe Small Business Person of the Year by the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce in recognition for her contributions and the difference she has made in the community.

"I want to remind everyone that the folks that are here are the ones that drive our communities," emcee Superior Court Judge David Irwin said before announcing the award. "It's the small folks that make the difference. The small businesses are what separates our communities from other communities. These are our neighbors."

Barnes said after the ceremony, "I am very honored to have won this award, to be in the community and be able to give back and provide jobs... I wouldn't be in this position if werent for the staff supporting me and making Evans great. We are proud as a company and I am I proud to be a part of it."

This year's three finalists were:

Dotti Bala of Copy Central
Dee Barnes of Evans Tool and Die
Scott Hartsell of Imijit.net Technology Solutions

They were chosen by the selection committee based on applications submitted. The six nominees were:

Dotti Bala, Copy Central
Dee Barnes, Evans Tool and Die
Stacy Brundage, Literacy Link Learning Center
Scott Hartsell, Imijit.net Technology Solutions
Ray Ramos, Raymond Engineering
Gregg Starr, The UPS Store on Ga. Highway 138 and 212

Barnes is the 25th recipient of the award, which is named for Citizens Office Supply owner Jerry Barboe, who died in 1987. Barboe's widow Jackie attended the ceremony to greet the finalist.

All nominees were recognized at the March 21 Business After Hours event at Cameron Hall. For more information on the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, go to www.conyers-rockdale.com or 770-483-7049.