BNIM Named 2015 Small Business of the Year and Mr. K Award Winner
Kansas City, Mo. (May 20, 2015) — BNIM announced today that it was selected as the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Small Business of the Year. The firm was presented with the Mr. K Award—named after famed entrepreneur Ewing Kauffman—on Wednesday, May 13 at the KC Chamber’s Small Business Awards Luncheon. In its 29th year, this celebration recognizes the importance of small businesses to our regional economy.
Founded in 1970 in Kansas City, BNIM is a national leader in innovative design while remaining deeply involved in the local and regional community. BNIM has had a tremendous impact on the Kansas City built environment – projects include Crown Center, the Folly Theatre, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Bancroft School transformation in the Manheim neighborhood, and more. The judges commented that BNIM “has a long history in KC but the 2015 BNIM seems as fresh and innovated as a brand new company.”
“We are prepared to use this honor to go forward in a stronger way — to go forward in a way to have a bigger impact on Kansas City, to have a bigger impact on the people’s lives that we touch and to open the doors up for everyone that’s been a great part of making BNIM better over the years,” said Steve McDowell, BNIM President and CEO.
At a community level, BNIM takes an active role in helping fellow citizens learn new ways to improve their city and neighborhoods. At an industry level, BNIM staff has a long-standing record of sharing knowledge and skills to advance the profession. A horizontal hierarchy encourages employees at all levels to participate in the firm’s forward movement. Perks such as paid time off for volunteering, hybrid vehicles available for employee use, and regular gatherings—pot-luck lunches, Fridays at 5, and an annual symposium—cultivate a culture of friendship and a spirit of camaraderie they call “ONE BNIM,” which permeates the studio environment.
“During its 45 year history, BNIM has had a huge impact on the Kansas City built environment, as well as leading the way nationally and internationally in sustainable design,” says Jim Heeter, President & CEO of the KC Chamber. “With the Mr. K Award, we celebrate BNIM’s innovation and excellence.”
The Mr. K Award is awarded to a company that exemplifies growth, sustainability, community service, and employee relations. The judges commented that BNIM “has a long history in KC but the 2015 BNIM seems as fresh and innovated as a brand new company.”
This year’s Top 10 finalists were also recognized at the luncheon. In addition to BNIM, they include: AdamsGabbert, Centric Projects, DataLocker, IDD InStore Design Display, Infinite Energy Construction, Inc., k12itc, NorthPoint Development, Sullivan Higdon & Sink, and Technology Group Solutions.